Track and field history: Identify the sprinter who overcame childhood polio to become a legendary Olympic champion. Which track-and-field star triumphed over polio in her youth and rose to become one of the greatest athletes of her era?

Topic: Olympic sprint legends and personal adversity

Given data

• A female track-and-field great who overcame childhood polio.

Concept/Approach
Among iconic sprinters, Wilma Rudolph is renowned for battling polio as a child and later winning three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Reasoning steps
Identify athletes linked with polio recovery → Wilma Rudolph fits uniquely. Cross-check others: Joyner-Kersee (heptathlon/long jump), Griffith Joyner (100/200 m records), Blankers-Koen (1948 pioneer), Didrikson (multi-sport) → none linked to childhood polio recovery.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing overall greatness with the specific polio story.

Final Answer
Wilma Rudolph