I am sure that neither numbers nor strength brings victory in war, but whichever army goes into battle stronger in soul, their enemies generally cannot withstand them. —Xenophon
Wilma Rudolph was born in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, on June 23, 1940. At the age of four, she contracted polio, a debilitating disease that left her with a paralyzed left leg. Doctors initially believed she might never walk again.
Despite this prognosis, Rudolph's mother, Blanche Rudolph, refused to quit and played a significant role in her daughter's therapy and rehabilitation. As a black family in the South in the 1940s, they didn’t have access to the healthcare they needed, and Blanche conducted much of the therapy and exercises at home.
Eventually, Wilma would walk with the help of a leg brace and began to participate in track and field, where she excelled. Even more unbelievable was that Wilma would go on to run in the Olympics twice, in 1956 and 1960. In the 1960 Rome Olympics, she won three gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100 relay—all world records.
Wilma was an icon and inspiration for her generation at a crucial time. Blanche Rudolf was the real hero. Wilma was one of 22 siblings, and Blanche never gave up on number 20.
Talent plays a role in achievement. Choosing progress over excuses is even more powerful. Combine those with love and someone who will do whatever it takes to help you win means you will likely win. And while you and I might have the talent to be Wilma, we do have the talent to be Blanche. That’s a choice.
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What does it take to win?