Wilma Rudolph made a difference for black Americans because she showed that you can do anything even if it seems impossible. Twice a week Wilma would ride a bus to Nashville to exercise her damaged left leg. Wilma had a disease that could often prove lethal, called Polio. She had a dream of becoming a great runner. She practiced and practiced until finally, when she was seven, she could walk. Then she practiced more until she became a runner. Finally, she made it to the Olympics. At first she was disappointed because she only won a bronze medal. The next time the Olympics came around Wilma won three gold medals. Wilma Rudolph proved that if you work hard you can reach your goal, whatever it may be.

Madeleine and Kivalina