Tyus, Wyomia (1945–)

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Tyus, Wyomia (1945–)

African-American runner. Name variations: Wyomia Tyus Simberg. Born Aug 29, 1945, in Griffin, GA; graduate of Tennessee State University.

Trained at Tennessee State University; won a gold medal in the 100 meters and a silver medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay at Tokyo Olympics (1964); at Mexico City Olympics, won a gold medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay and a gold medal in the 100 meters, becoming the 1st athlete ever to win two consecutive gold medals in the same event (1968); won 8 National AAU championships. Elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame (1980) and the Women's Sports Hall of Fame (1981); inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame (1985); was a founding member of the Women's Sports Association.

See also Women in World History.