Wilma Rudolph had an absolute passion for running . . . even though at age four she contracted polio and her left leg began to atrophy. Doctors thought she would never walk again, but her family didn’t give up on her. Nor did Wilma. With the aid of a brace and orthopedic shoe, she slowly started to walk, even though she had been bedridden and out of school for two years.
When Wilma was 11, the leg brace came off, the orthopedic shoe was thrown away, and Wilma was free at last.
Within a year Wilma was challenging the neighborhood boys in races, and she usually won. At age 15, she was invited to train with the celebrated Tennessee State University women’s track team. At age 16, she qualified for the 1956 Olympic team and won a bronze medal. Wilma returned to the 1960 Olympic team and became a superstar. She won three gold medals that year.
What Wilma Rudolph did was incredible! I believe her success was not in spite of her problems, but because of them. She treasured the good health that others took for granted. Her joy filled her with an exuberance that intensified her training and enabled her to outshine the athletes of her day. Think about it. Follow your star, and chances are good you will reach new heights.
Adapted from Zig Ziglar’s book, “Something to Smile About,” published by Thomas Nelson. Ask for a copy at your bookstore today! Or visit www.zigziglar.com and purchase this book from Zig’s Bookstore.
For more on the subject of how to be successful, read Zig’s popular book, “Success for Dummies,” published by IDG Books. It’s at your bookstore, and it’s also available from http://www.zigziglar.com.
