Who was the first woman to win three Olympic Gold Medals in track?

• A. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
• B. Wilma Rudolph
• C. Mary Lou Retton
• D. Florence Griffith-Joyner

Answer: (B)

The correct answer identifies Wilma Rudolph as the pioneering athlete who achieved the remarkable feat of winning three Olympic gold medals in track. This achievement took place during the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she triumphed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100 meter relay events. Rudolph's performance shattered existing stereotypes about female athletes and paved the way for future generations of women in sports.

Her remarkable journey from polio to Olympic glory also serves as an inspiring narrative symbolizing perseverance and determination. As the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, Rudolph not only distinguished herself in athletics but also became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly African American women.

While Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Florence Griffith-Joyner are also legendary figures in track and field, they achieved their successes in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively, and therefore did not fit the criteria of being the first woman to win three Olympic golds. Mary Lou Retton is known for her accomplishments in gymnastics and not in track. Thus, the history and context surrounding Wilma Rudolph's achievements highlight why she is recognized as the first woman to earn three