  |
|
|
|
Running, runner's stories, runner tips and running links are what this web site are all about.
Go here for a complete list of running links. If you are looking for a good cause and want to help a runner who is helping some very special people, take a look at her Letter to All. A First Grade Class Needs Your Number! Read their letter to you!
Mae was born on April 10,1932, and competed in the Olympic games of 1948, 52, 56. At the age of 20 in the 52 Olympics, she had a gold medal performance in the 4 x 100 relay, setting a world record in the event. She also placed third in the same event with a time of 44.9 four years later. She was the national indoor champion, the national outdoor champion and has been to the Olympics. Wilma Rudolph said that Mae would hold her hand to calm her nerves during the 56 Games. Because of this and because of her positive attitude, experience and coaching tips, during the training for and competing in the 56 Olympics, she became known as the "mother of the Tigerbelles." She seemed as experienced as the young coach, Ed Temple. Indeed, she would offer coaching tips to him at times. She seemed very calm and experienced to the other girls who were so young at that time. Wilma was only sixteen years old during the 56 Games. Mae recalled what it was like for them during the Olympic trails. She said, "I remember at the 56 Games that Wilma was nervous because she was so young, so I told her to do everything I did. Wilma agreed. So you see me, this 5'2" person standing there and you see her, this 6-foot-tall girl, doing everything I did. If I bent over to touch my shoes to limber up, she bent over and did the same thing. If I raised my arm, she raised her arm. It quickly took her mind off her nerves as she tried to watch everything I did. That was the whole idea and it worked! In the 200 meter finals, Wilma was on the inside lane, I was in the second lane, and I couldn't see her coming out of the corner of my eye. So I turned my head and said, "C'mon!" And she said, "I'm coming!" And she sure was coming ! I mean , she was blowing down that Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Mae Faggs Starr in Running is owned by . Permission to republish Mae Faggs Starr in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
