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Leaders Don't Give Up

January 18, 1999

"Visionary leaders always finish the race they begin.  Organizations need leaders who can get on base to start the rally and then drive in the runs.  Three-time Olympic gold medallist Wilma Rudolph never quit anything she started until death took her at age 54.  According to an Associated Press release by Teresa M. Walker, Wilma's race in life got off to a rough start.  The 20th of 22 children, Rudolph fought through double pneumonia at age 4 and scarlet fever that had her parents thinking she would die.  Later, she was stricken with polio, which doctors thought would keep her from walking.  With the love and help of her family, who massaged her withered legs, and a cumbersome brace on her left leg, she learned to walk.  At age 9, she was required to wear an unattractive high-top shoe.  Her burning desire to recover led to the track, where she later inspired the world in the 1960 Olympics in Rome by winning gold medals in the 100 and 200 meter races and the 400 meter relay.  Wilma did not rest on her laurels; she became a successful teacher, businesswoman, coach, lecturer and president of the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, which was dedicated to teaching youngsters to overcome obstacles in their lives.  She was a sharing, caring person who had vision for her race and for children who needed a boost in life.  Tennessee governor Ned McWorter eulogized her this way:  'Wilma Rudolph's greatest race was not on the field.   Her greatest race was won through her experiences throughout her life.  The race included many hurdles.  She overcame them to become one of the most famous athletes in history.' Wilma Rudolph started and finished the race.  Her qualities of persistence are models for all of us who attempt to lead others to a better future (Hoyle, 1995)."

Reference:  Hoyle, J.R. (1995).  Leadership and futuring:  Making things happen.  Thousand Oaks, CA:  Corwin Press Inc.

Are you persistent in achieving your goals?  Will you finish the race?

*  Be sure to check out our website (www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders)to see what Leadership Center's resources is available on our website www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders

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Created: 2009-01-06, Updated: 2009-01-18