Tennessee State University women’s track and field programs of the 1960s were nothing short of magical; star after star bolted through the hallowed halls of TSU under the leadership of legendary Coach Edward S. Temple. Not the least of these prodigies was the great Wyomia Tyus. She was the first Olympic athlete ever to successfully defend her sprint title in a subsequent Olympiad. At the 1964 games in Tokyo, Tyus tied fellow Tigerbelle Wilma Rudolph’s world record in the 100-meter preliminary heat and went on to win the gold. She repeated the extraordinary feat four years later in Mexico City, again taking the gold medal in the 100-meter event and again setting a new world record. In addition to her 100-meter victories, Tyus medalled in both Olympics as anchor for the 4 x 100-meter relay teams, winning a silver in 1964 and a gold in 1968. In collegiate competition, Tyus won the 100-meter race at the AAU outdoor championships in both 1965 and 1966. Indoors, she won the sixty-meter dash three consecutive years (1965-1967), setting new world records each time. Today, Tyus lives in Los Angeles where she has worked as a teacher, public relations specialist, and television commentator for track events. Additionally, she has worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Black Studies Center at UCLA. Wyomia Tyus – an Olympic champion who at one time was the fastest woman on the face of the earth.
