Griffin Georgia Salutes Sister Wyomia Tyus

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

She was just 19 when she stepped onto the Olympic stage in Tokyo in 1964—wide-eyed, lightning-fast, and carrying the

August 29, 1945 (age 79)
Griffin, Georgia, United States

legacy of legends who came before her. Wyomia Tyus, a young woman from Tennessee State University, wasn’t just another name on the roster. She was the quiet storm building behind the scenes, the kind of athlete who didn't just chase records—she matched them.

In the Olympic heats, Tyus did something unforgettable. She tied Wilma Rudolph’s world record. That name—Wilma Rudolph—was sacred in American track history, especially to Black girls with a dream. Tyus equaled it. No fanfare. Just her, the track, and the clock.

By the time the final rolled around, the world was watching. Her biggest competition wasn’t some far-off phenom—it was her teammate, Edith McGuire, another powerhouse sprinter from the United States. The air was thick with tension, but Tyus didn’t flinch. When the gun fired, she surged forward with grace that only a few ever possess. She crossed the finish line 0.2 seconds ahead of McGuire. Gold. Glory. A teenage champion.

But she wasn't done.

She added a silver medal in the 4x100m relay, proving she could shine as both a solo star and a team player. After that summer, the medals kept coming—national titles, victories in the 200m at the Pan-American Games—Tyus was becoming a name that couldn’t be ignored.

Then came 1968. Mexico City. Pressure. Expectation. History on the line.

She returned to defend her 100m title, and once again, the moment was hers. Only this time, she didn’t just win—she broke the world record. 11.08 seconds. That race made her the first human—man or woman—to ever defend an Olympic 100m title. Think about that. The *first.*

She danced behind the blocks that day, caught on camera by director Bud Greenspan. Not out of arrogance, but rhythm—she later said it was the “Tighten Up,” a little groove to stay loose. The moment was hers, and she owned it in every way.

In the 200m final, she finished sixth, but there was no shame in that. The sprint had already given her gold. Then came the 4x100m relay. Tyus anchored the final leg, pushing her team across the line—and into the record books once more. Another world record. Another gold. Her third.

After those Games, she stepped away from the international spotlight. But the fire inside her didn’t dim.

In 1973, years after most sprinters would’ve hung up their spikes, Tyus accepted an invitation to run the 60-yard dash for the newly formed International Track Association. She won 8 of 18 events in her first season. The next year? She didn’t lose once. Twenty-two races. Twenty-two wins.

She kept racing into the early '80s, not for medals, not for headlines, but maybe—for the love of running. For that feeling of wind brushing your face, the hush just before the gun, the electric burst of motion when body meets instinct.

Wyomia Tyus didn’t just break records. She danced with history, and left it chasing her shadow. #WyomiaTyus #OlympicLegend #TrackAndFieldHistory #BlackExcellence #UnsungHeroes #AthleteLegacy #WomenWhoInspire #SpeedQueen

More Facts:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyomia_Tyus

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Kofi Bilal Mahmud Eid AlFitr 1443 A.H.

http://oppressedpeoplesonlineword.ning.com/profiles/blogs/6273430:B...

Kofi Bilal Mahmud

Executive Director

Oppressed Peoples Online Word 

Your Voice Since 2010

The Voice Of The Voiceless...A People Without A Voice Can Not Be Heard!

Periodically we at OPOW have to make an evaluation on our being able to sustain this effort of bringing  you stories that many of you enjoy.  We do not take adds, nor do we charge a subscription.  Much or most of our operating expense is covered by a few individuals who have been very generous over the past 15 years.

Much of our content is supplied by volunteers and myself.   With that being said, we need your support to continue this effort.  No amount is too small or too large.  Please consider becoming a much needed supporter of OPOW today.  In advance, from all of us at OPOW,  we thank you for your continued support.  

Bilal Mahmud

Executive Director OPOW

Support OPOW:  OPOW Needs Your Support - Oppressed Peoples Online Word...The Voice...

None of us are free,  if one of us is chained!
If we don't say it's wrong.....then we say it's right!

 

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
- Voltaire, philosopher (1694-1778)

The Voice Of The Voiceless... A People Without A Voice Can Not Be Heard...

Make Your Pledge To OPOW, The Voice Of The Voiceless

 

Paypal send to:[e-mail]1 

Shaban 1445 A.H.$1.00 per day can make a difference..

Or Cashapp: $bilal1370

Zelle: [e-mail]

Mail: Little Deep Creek LLC
P.O. Box 1241
Conley, Ga. 30288

Oppressed Peoples Online Word 

Your Voice Since 2010

Support OPOW Today...An Appeal From The Executive Director Bilal Ma...

Thank you from all of us here at OPOW

Chip In To Help OPOW Make A Difference

Visit Us On Facebook:  (2) Facebook

OPOW Above The Fold