THE FASTEST WOMAN ON EARTH

by Richard Quek

Wilma Rudolph was born into poverty in the state of
Tennessee. When she was four years old she had double
pneumonia with scarlet fever, which left her paralyzed
with polio. She had to wear braces and the doctor said
that she would not be able to walk normally again. Her
mother encouraged her and said that she could do
anything she wanted if she only believed. Wilma said,
“I want to be the fastest woman on this earth.” At the
age of nine, against the advice of the doctors, she
removed the braces and took her first step. At the age
of thirteen, she took part in her first race and came
way, way last. She entered various other races and came
way, way last until one day, she came in first. At the
age of fifteen she went to Tennessee State University
where she met a coach. She told him that she wanted to
become the fastest woman on the track, on this earth.
The coach replied, “With your spirit nobody can stop
you.” In the 1960 Olympics Wilma Rudolph, the paralytic
girl, became the fastest woman on this earth by winning
three gold medals - in the 100 meter race, 200 meter
race, and 400 meter relay.


SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

Who would have believed that a paralytic girl could
have won three gold medals in the Olympics? Wilma
Rudolph did not see herself, as a cripple, but she saw
herself as a winner. She took control of her destiny
and went after her dream with a vengeance. Along the
way she had to overcome challenges and discouragements
but it was worthwhile when she collected her three gold
medals. If a crippled person like Wilma can make it
big, what more can we do with a perfect physical body.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE

"The past cannot be regained, although we can learn
from it; the future is not yet ours even though we must
plan for it. Time is now. We have only today."