Who was the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal?

• A. Johnnie Mae Chappell
• B. Wilma Rudolph
• C. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
• D. Florence Griffith-Joyner

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is Wilma Rudolph, who made history as the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. This achievement occurred at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she won three gold medals in track and field events: the 100 meters, the 200 meters, and as part of the 4x100 meter relay team. Her triumph not only broke barriers in sports but also served as an inspiration to generations of African American athletes and women in general, marking a significant moment in both Olympic history and the civil rights movement.

The other individuals mentioned, while notable athletes, did not achieve the distinction of being the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Johnnie Mae Chappell is not a recognized Olympic athlete, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Florence Griffith-Joyner achieved remarkable successes in their own right, but they came after Wilma Rudolph's groundbreaking accomplishments.