Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994)

• United Press Athlete of the Year 1960
• Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year 1960
• James E. Sullivan Award for Good Sportsmanship 1961 *
• The Babe Zaharias Award 1962
• European Sportswriters' Sportsman of the Year *
• Christopher Columbus Award for Most Outstanding International Sports Personality 1960*
• The Penn Relays 1961 *
• New York Athletic Club Track Meet *
• The Millrose Games *
• Black Sports Hall of Fame 1980
• U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame 1983
• Vitalis Cup for Sports Excellence 1983
• Women's Sports Foundation Award 1984

* indicates first woman to receive the award/invitation

There were other awards that Wilma recieved. In 1963, Wilma was appointed to represent the US State Department as a Goodwill Ambassador at the Games of Friendship in Dakar, Senegal. In 1967, Vice President Hubert Humphrey invited Wilma to be in an athletic outreach program, known as "Operation Champ" for the underprivileged youth. Soon afterwards, Wilma started her own non-profit organization called "The Wilma Rudolph Foundation". This foundation provided free coaching for a variety of sports, academic assistance, and support.