A collection of quotes and thoughts by Wilma Rudolph on life, learning, inspirational, struggle, triumph, dreams, power, discipline, freedom and accomplishment.
29 Motivational Quotes By Wilma Rudolph That Reflect The Power Of Grit
Quick Facts
Born In
Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee
Wilma Rudolph was one of the most admired American sprinters who became a world-record-holding Olympic medalist. She has been an inspiration to athletes for generations. She was bron premature and suffered from polio, but that did not deter her spirit. At the age of 12 when her partially deformed leg was cured, the little girl, who could barely walk, challenged all the kids in the neighborhood at jumping and running. Having participated at small competitions and being impressed by her performance her coach asked her to participate at the ‘Summer Olympics’ which were held in 1956. She won a bronze at this competition and established her career as spinster. She later went on to participate in the 1960 ‘Rome Olympics’ and won the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash race. Apart from that she also won the 4*100 meter relay, setting a new record. She also helped in promoting racial harmony in America and across the globe. Following are some notable thoughts and quotations by the distinguished athlete that are sure to inspire you. Presenting famous quotes and sayings by Wilma Rudolph.
When I was going through my transition of being famous, I tried to ask God, why was I here? What was my purpose? Surely, it wasn't just to win three gold medals. There has to be more to this life than that.
- Wilma Rudolph
No matter what accomplishments you make,somebody helps you.
- Wilma Rudolph
Never Underestimate the Power of Dreams and the Influence of the Human Spirit.
- Wilma Rudolph
I knew that whatever I set my mind to do. I could do.
- Wilma Rudolph
The triumph can't be had without the struggle.
- Wilma Rudolph
![]()
Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
The triumph cant be had without the struggle
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I don't consciously try to be a role model, so I don't know if I am or not. That's for other people to decide.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
'I can't' are two words that have never been in my vocabulary. I believe in me more than anything in this world.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
But when you come from a large, wonderful family, there's always a way to achieve your goals.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
It doesn't matter what you're trying to accomplish. It's all a matter of discipline. I was determined to discover what life held for me beyond the inner-city streets.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.
- Wilma Rudolph
![]()
Winning is great but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I'm in my prime. There's no goal too far, no mountain too high.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I would be disappointed if I were remembered as a runner because I feelthat my contribution to the youth of America has far exceeded the woman who was the Olympic champion.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
No matter what great things you accomplish, somebody helps you.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
The feeling of accomplishment welled up inside of me, three Olympic gold medals. I knew that was something nobody could ever take away from me, ever.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
Sometimes it takes years to really grasp what has happened to your life.
- Wilma Rudolph
![]()
I believe in me more than anything in this world.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I don't know why I run so fast. I just run.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.
- Wilma Rudolph![]()
I had a series of childhood illnesses... scarlet fever.... pneumonia.... Polio. I walked with braces until I was at least nine years old. My life wasn't like the average person who grew up and decided to enter the world of sports.
- Wilma Rudolph
