people biographies · Ages 6-8

Wilma Rudolph Raced Past the Leg Brace

Wilma Rudolph worked through childhood illness, learned to run with strength, and became an Olympic champion.

The whole story

1. On a bright morning in Clarksville, Tennessee, Wilma Rudolph held the porch rail and practiced one careful step.

2. When Wilma was little, illness weakened her left leg. Her mother helped her wear a brace and kept saying, “Your leg can grow stronger.”

3. Wilma stretched, stood, and tried again. Some days her leg ached, but she never let one hard day choose the next.

4. One morning, Wilma crossed the yard without holding the rail. Her mother clapped, and Wilma tried the step again.

5. At school, children raced across the yard. Wilma watched their feet, then stepped into the game.

6. At first, Wilma came in last. Then she practiced her steps, swung her arms, and ran a little faster.

7. The brace still made running difficult. Wilma set her shoes beside it and whispered, “Tomorrow, I will try again.”

8. After years of exercises and practice, Wilma no longer needed the brace. Her left leg stood ready beside her right.

9. Wilma joined a track team. At the starting line, she bent low, listened closely, and held her breath.

10. Wilma trained through sore muscles and slow starts. Soon, she was winning races, and the finish line began to feel like home.

11. Then Wilma traveled to the Olympic Games. She carried her shoes, her courage, and every practice step with her.

12. The stadium was huge, and the crowd sounded like a rushing river. Wilma placed both feet firmly on the track.

13. The race began. Wilma drove her arms, stretched her stride, and ran past every doubt that had once slowed her.

14. Wilma won three gold medals and became an Olympic champion. The girl who once practiced with a leg brace had learned to run with strength.

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