Description
Encyclopedia article about Wyomia Tyus. Born in Griffin, in Spalding County, on August 29, 1945, Wyomia Tyus was the first person to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter dash. Her father, dairy farmer Willie Tyus, encouraged his only daughter to compete in sports, although her mother, Marie, felt participation in sports was unladylike. Tyus began her high school sports career playing basketball. She enjoyed the competition so much that she decided to try the high jump for the track and field team. Though she struggled at the high jump, she realized she had a natural talent for running.
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Record Contributed By
New Georgia EncyclopediaRecord Harvested From
Digital Library of GeorgiaKeywords
- African American Athletes
- African American Women Athletes
- African Americans
- Athletes
- Japan
- Olympic Games (18 Th : 1964 : Tokyo, Japan)
- Runners (Sports)
- Running
- Tokyo
- Track And Field Athletes
- Tyus, Wyomia
- United States
- Women
- Women Athletes
- Women Runners
- Women Track And Field Athletes
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