Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson was born in Silver, South Carolina on August 25, 1927. She grew up in a poor family in Harlem.Althea was the first black to win championships at famous tournaments, such as the French Open, the United States Open, the Australian Doubles and Wimbledon in the 1950s. Even though she was subject to the segregation that plagued African Americans at the time; she trailblazed across the tennis scene and had an exciting amateur career.During this career, she won 56 doubles and singles titles.
Wilma Rudolph
Athlete, Olympic track and field champion. Born on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field events at the Olympics But the road to victory was not an easy one for her.Rudolph had problems with her left leg and had to wear a brace. While still in high school, Rudolph qualified for the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. At the age of 16, she was the youngest member of the U.S. team and won a bronze medal in the sprint relay event.
Rudolph died on November 12, 1994, near Nashville, Tennessee, from brain cancer. In 2004, the United States Postal Service honored this Olympic champion by featuring her likeness on a 23-cent stamp.
Rudolph died on November 12, 1994, near Nashville, Tennessee, from brain cancer. In 2004, the United States Postal Service honored this Olympic champion by featuring her likeness on a 23-cent stamp.
Florence Griffith Joyner also known as "Flo Jo," was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 21, 1959 and went on to become one of the fastest competitive runners of the 1980s. she won a silver medal for the 200-meter run, and became known for her world-record speed, form-fitting bodysuits and six-inch fingernail.After the 1988 Olympics, Joyner retired from competition. Suspicions soon arose regarding how the so-called "world's fastest woman" achieved her victories.
Serena Jameka Williams born September 26, 1981 one of the greatest tennis players of all time, her 30 grand slam titles ties her for eighth on the all-time list.Williams has won four Olympics gold medals one in women's singles and three in women's doubles.
Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas was born on December 31, 1995.
At the AT&T American Cup at Madison Square Garden in March, Douglas received the highest total all-around score in the women's competition. After winning a spot on the U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team, Douglas and her teammates were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on the July 18, 2012 Olympic Preview issue. This marked the first time an entire Olympic gymnastics team had been featured on the cover of the magazine.
At the AT&T American Cup at Madison Square Garden in March, Douglas received the highest total all-around score in the women's competition. After winning a spot on the U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team, Douglas and her teammates were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on the July 18, 2012 Olympic Preview issue. This marked the first time an entire Olympic gymnastics team had been featured on the cover of the magazine.