Willye White facts for kids
White running at the 1964 Summer Olympics
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | December 31, 1939 Money, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Died | February 6, 2007 (aged 67) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Height | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 56 kg (123 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Sprint, long jump | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Mayor Daley Youth Foundation, Chicago | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coached by | Ed Temple | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 100 m – 11.5 (1964) LJ – 6.55 m (1964) |
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Medal record
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Willye Brown White (born December 31, 1939 – died February 6, 2007) was an amazing American athlete. She was a track and field star who competed in five Olympic Games between 1956 and 1972! Willye was known as the best female long jumper in America during her time. She also ran in the 100-meter sprint races. Willye was part of the famous "Tigerbelles" team at Tennessee State University, coached by Ed Temple. She was an African-American athlete who broke barriers.
Contents
Willye White's Olympic Journey
Willye White was only 16 years old and still in high school when she made history. She won a silver medal in the long jump at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. This was a huge moment because it was the first time an American woman ever won an Olympic medal in the long jump event!
She continued to shine and won her second silver medal in 1964. This time, she was part of the 400-meter relay team at the Tokyo Olympics. Her teammates were Wyomia Tyus, Marilyn White, and Edith McGuire. Together, they showed the world their speed and teamwork.
Winning Many Titles
Throughout her amazing career, Willye White won many awards. She earned 13 national titles in both indoor and outdoor track and field events. She also set seven new U.S. records in the long jump. Her final record jump of 6.55 meters (about 21 feet, 6 inches) stood for eight years, from 1964 until 1972.
Willye was a member of more than 30 international track and field teams. She also won 12 long jump titles from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Her incredible achievements led to her being inducted into 11 different sports halls of fame! In 1981, USA Track & Field welcomed her into their hall of fame. Later, in 1999, Sports Illustrated for Women recognized her as one of the 100 greatest women athletes of the 20th century.
Life Beyond the Track
Willye White was born in Money, Mississippi. She was raised by her grandparents and even picked cotton to help her family earn money. At the same time, she was busy competing in sports and showing her talent.
Later, Willye moved to Chicago in 1960 and lived there for a long time. She became a nurse, helping people at hospitals. She also worked as a public health administrator for the Chicago Health Department, helping to keep the community healthy. In 1976, she earned her bachelor's degree from Chicago State University.
Willye believed that her experiences as an athlete helped her see past the racism and hate she faced as a child. Sports gave her a way to overcome challenges and see a bigger world.
Helping Others Through Sports
Willye White was not just an athlete; she was also a dedicated coach. She helped prepare the U.S. national team for the 1981 World Cup and the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival.
In 1990, she started her own company called WBW Hang on Productions. This company focused on sports and fitness advice. The next year, in 1991, she founded the Willye White Foundation. This foundation was created to help children. It offered programs like an after-school club, a summer day-camp, and healthcare support for kids. Willye wanted to give young people the same opportunities and support that sports had given her.
Willye White passed away on February 6, 2007, from pancreatic cancer. She left behind a legacy of athletic excellence and a commitment to helping others.
Images for kids
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White running at the 1964 Summer Olympics
See also
In Spanish: Willye White para niños
