Greater Impact

While in high school, Wilma qualified for the 1956 Olympics; this proved that anyone from anywhere can accomplish great things. Wilma was able to show Clarksville Tennessee to the World by bringing the city together. Local restaurant patrons gathered to cheer and watch Wilma run. Prior to Wilma running in the Olympics, Clarksville was very segregated. When she returned to her homecoming parade she said "I will only attended if it is desegregated." Wilma not only made a difference for herself but she made a positive influence on Clarksville and many other black athletes. 

What most people know about Wilma is that she won three gold metals in the 1960 Olympic Games. They don't understand how complex her life was and the battles she constantly faced. Wilma did break barriers by changing others perspectives starting in her home town of Clarksville.