Wyomia Tyus

• Born in Griffin, Georgia
• Father: Willie Tyus, dairy worker
• Mother: Marie, laundress
• only girl and youngest of four children

• high school in Georgia
• college at Tennessee State University; recreation major

• husband: Art Simburg (divorced)
• husband: Duane Tillman
• children: Simone (daughter) and Tyus Tillman (son)

Wyomia Tyus, with three brothers, became active in sports early. She was educated in Georgia in segregated schools, and played basketball and later began to run. In high school she competing in the Girls' National Championships of the Amateur Athletics Union, placing first in the 50-yard, 75-yard, and the 100-yard races.

After winning the 1964 Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter dash, Wyomia Tyus traveled to African countries as a goodwill ambassador, running training clinics and helping athletes learn to compete in world competions.

Wyomia Tyus planned to compete again in 1968 and was caught up in the controversy over whether black American athletes should compete or should refuse to compete in protest of American racism. She chose to compete. She did not give the black power salute when she was honored for winning gold medals for the 100-meter dash and as anchor of the team for the 400-meter relay, but she wore black shorts and dedicated her medal to the two athletes, Tommy Smith and John Carlos, who had given the black power salute when they won their medals.

Wyomia Tyus was the first athlete to win gold medals for a sprint in consecutive Olympics.

In 1973, Wyomia Tyus turned professional, running for the International Track Association. She later taught physical education and coached. She continued to be active in Olympics-related organizations and to support women's sports.

In 1974, Wyomia Tyus joined Billie Jean King and other women athletes in founding the Women's Sports Foundation, which aims to enhance opportunities for girls in sports.

More women's history biographies, by name:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z