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September 1960

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Achievement · sport
Wilma Rudolph wins three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics

Wilma Rudolph, who had survived polio and wore a leg brace until age 12, became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics at Rome 1960, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. Her triumphs made her an international celebrity and a symbol of overcoming adversity.

Events

  1. September 1960
    Wilma Rudolph wins three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics

    Wilma Rudolph, who had survived polio and wore a leg brace until age 12, became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics at Rome 1960, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. Her triumphs made her an international celebrity and a symbol of overcoming adversity.

  2. September 7, 1960
    Wilma Rudolph wins three Olympic golds

    Rudolph becomes the fastest woman in the world in Rome.