Wyomia Tyus

Wyomia Tyus (born August 29, 1945 in Griffin, Georgia) is an American athlete, and the first woman to retain the Olympic title in the 100 m.

Related Topics:
August 29 - 1945 - Griffin, Georgia - American - Athlete - Olympic

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Tyus, from Tennessee State University, participated in the 1964 Summer Olympics at age 19. In the heats of the event, she equalled Wilma Rudolph's World Record, propelling her to a favourite for the final, where her main rival would be fellow American Edith McGuire. Tyus won the final, beating McGuire by two tenths. At the same Olympics, she also won a silver medal with the 4 x 100 m relay team, finishing only behind Poland.

Related Topics:
Tennessee State University - 1964 Summer Olympics - Wilma Rudolph - Edith McGuire - Poland

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The following years, Tyus won numerous national championships in the sprint events, and a gold medal in the 200 m at the Pan-American Games. In 1968, she returned to the Olympics to defend her title in the 100 m. In the final, she set a new World Record to become the first woman to retain the Olympic 100 m title. Tyus also qualified for the 200 m final, in which she finished sixth. Running the final leg for the relay team, Tyus helped setting a new World Record, winning her third gold medal.

Related Topics:
Pan-American Games - 1968

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Tyus retired from sports after the 1968 Olympics.

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