Defeat

Wilma Rudolph is one of my heroes. I think she has such an inspiring story. When she was 4 years old she contracted polio in 1944. She had to walk with a brace on her left leg. Through physical therapy, hard-work, and determination, she overcame her disability and began to run. She was noticed in high school as a runner and made the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia as the youngest member at age 16. She earned a bronze medal. She then went back and finished high school and attended Tennessee State University. She made the 1960 Olympics team in Rome, where she broke three world records and became the first American female to take home three Olympic gold medals from one Olympic games. Afterwards, she finished her degree and became a teacher and track coach and dedicated her life to inspiring other young people to pursue their dreams and passions on and off the track.

Photo Credit: Biography.com 

I first heard of Wilma Rudolph when I was about ten years old when I had to read a biography (I read this biography) for a book report in school. Something about Wilma always stuck with me. Maybe it was her difficult childhood and battle with polio, perhaps it was because she was an athlete, or possibly because she was determined. Whatever it was I have always remembered her name. Wilma Rudolph always gave 100%. She had so many obstacle growing up and she defied every single one of them. Her quote in the picture sums up her life and the key to success. Learning to lose is hard. It doesn't matter what we lose at, but what we do when we lose. To be a winner, you have to be willing to lose, pick yourself up, and try again. That is what Wilma did and she accomplished bigger things than she ever dreamed of doing. Without defeat, you cannot learn to be a true champion. Are you ready to lose and be defeated? Because the true champions come from dedication, motivation, and the humility of losing. Be prepared to be defeated, but also be prepared to become a champion from that defeat.

Until Next Time, 

Miss Sass A Frass