"Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew." - Cicely Tyson
***
Wilma Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940. Being premature, she weighed only 4.5 pounds at birth. She was the 20th of 22 children born to Ed and Blanche Rudolph. Being poor and African American, the Rudolph’s were denied medical care by local hospitals. Blance Rudolph was forced to provide medical care for her children at home. Young Wilma suffered from a series of illnesses during the first two years of her life. Around the age of two, the Rudolph’s sought out medical help for Wilma because her left leg and foot had not developed normally. Wilma was eventually diagnosed with polio. Her parents were told that Wilma would not be like normal children her age. She would never be able to walk or run without the aid of braces and crutches.
Blance Rudolph refused to believe that her child would have to live differently than other children. She was convinced that something could be done to help Wilma. Blance Rudolph learned that a hospital in Nashville, TN would accept Wilma for polio treatment. For almost two years, Blance and Wilma drove over 100 miles a day for Wilma’s treatments. Blance was so determined to learn Wilma’s physical therapy routine that she convinced hospital staff to teach her how to treat Wilma at home. With Wilma at home, the Rudolph family worked diligently with Wilma. Because of the family’s commitment, love and constant encouragement, Wilma was able to walk without braces and crutches at the age of 12.
Wilma had spent the first 12 years of her life limited by the affliction of polio. With a strong sense of determination and the ability to move without restraint, Wilma set her sights on becoming an athlete.
Admiring the style of play of her older sister, Wilma tried out for the basketball team. Although she made the team, she was never given a chance to play in a game. For three years, Wilma was a “bench sitter.” Having experienced limitations as a child, Wilma was determined that nothing was going to hold her back any longer. Refusing to give up, Wilma worked incredibly hard the summer of her sophomore year and earned a starting position at point guard. Her sophomore year concluded with Wilma leading the team to a state championship.
Although Wilma developed into a good basketball player, basketball was not her true love; running was. After having been out of braces for approximately 4 years, and being only 16 years of age, Wilma participated in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. Wilma won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 m relay. Wilma's most famous athletic accomplishment took place in the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome. Wilma won three gold medals in track and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
In 1960, Wilma Rudolph proved to the world that when faith, passion, and perseverance work together nothing is insurmountable. Wilma was fortunate to have both talent and the supporting love of her mother and family, but it was her steadfast determination that once she was free of restraint, she would conquer the world. And, that she did in the summer of 1960
What’s holding you back? Wilma longed for the day that she could walk without braces and crutches. She knew that once the physical restraints were removed, she would be free. Free from the affliction and free from limitations. I ask you, what are the braces and crutches that you are holding onto in your life? What are those self-imposed restraints and crutches? Now is the time to rid yourself of the braces and crutches that are holding you back.
We all can learn a lesson from a little girl from Tennessee that could barely walk without the aid of crutches and braces and against all odds became an Olympic champion.
Blance Rudolph refused to believe that her child would have to live differently than other children. She was convinced that something could be done to help Wilma. Blance Rudolph learned that a hospital in Nashville, TN would accept Wilma for polio treatment. For almost two years, Blance and Wilma drove over 100 miles a day for Wilma’s treatments. Blance was so determined to learn Wilma’s physical therapy routine that she convinced hospital staff to teach her how to treat Wilma at home. With Wilma at home, the Rudolph family worked diligently with Wilma. Because of the family’s commitment, love and constant encouragement, Wilma was able to walk without braces and crutches at the age of 12.
Wilma had spent the first 12 years of her life limited by the affliction of polio. With a strong sense of determination and the ability to move without restraint, Wilma set her sights on becoming an athlete.
Admiring the style of play of her older sister, Wilma tried out for the basketball team. Although she made the team, she was never given a chance to play in a game. For three years, Wilma was a “bench sitter.” Having experienced limitations as a child, Wilma was determined that nothing was going to hold her back any longer. Refusing to give up, Wilma worked incredibly hard the summer of her sophomore year and earned a starting position at point guard. Her sophomore year concluded with Wilma leading the team to a state championship.
Although Wilma developed into a good basketball player, basketball was not her true love; running was. After having been out of braces for approximately 4 years, and being only 16 years of age, Wilma participated in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. Wilma won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 m relay. Wilma's most famous athletic accomplishment took place in the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome. Wilma won three gold medals in track and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
In 1960, Wilma Rudolph proved to the world that when faith, passion, and perseverance work together nothing is insurmountable. Wilma was fortunate to have both talent and the supporting love of her mother and family, but it was her steadfast determination that once she was free of restraint, she would conquer the world. And, that she did in the summer of 1960
What’s holding you back? Wilma longed for the day that she could walk without braces and crutches. She knew that once the physical restraints were removed, she would be free. Free from the affliction and free from limitations. I ask you, what are the braces and crutches that you are holding onto in your life? What are those self-imposed restraints and crutches? Now is the time to rid yourself of the braces and crutches that are holding you back.
We all can learn a lesson from a little girl from Tennessee that could barely walk without the aid of crutches and braces and against all odds became an Olympic champion.
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it!
MJD
No comments:
Post a Comment