'Tigerbelle offers a fresh perspective on the history of women's sports in the United States. From her one-of-a-kind accomplishments on the track to her contributions to equal pay and publicity for women through the Women's Sports Foundation, Wyomia Tyus has earned her place in the pantheon of American sports sheroes and heroes.'
--Billie Jean King
'Wyomia Tyus's story is truly an American story. It is one of profound loss and quiet courage, illustrating the contradictions of race and gender in this country and an unrelenting commitment to growth in spite of life's obstacles. From a dairy farm in Griffin, Georgia, to the annals of American sports history, Tyus inspires and teaches us all about 'getting out of the blocks' with humility, grace, and power. Her story gives true meaning to the phrase, Black Girl Magic '
--Eddie S. Glaude Jr., chair of the Center for African-American Studies at Princeton University
'Wyomia Tyus has been an eyewitness to the cutting edge of history. Along with her Tigerbelle teammates, she pioneered sporting opportunities for women. As a great Olympic champion, she became the first person to successfully defend an Olympic hundred-meter-dash title. As a black woman, she saw how America treated her heroes, and how quickly they were cast aside. Wyomia is a bright, thoughtful, observant, and articulate voice of her generation.'
--John Naber, five-time Olympic medalist swimmer
'Wyomia Tyus adds an important page to the story of black women athletes and their accomplishments during the civil rights era. Highlighting the courage, commitment, and mutual support of the Tigerbelles, and the hard work and dedication of our father figure and coach, Ed Temple, this is a must-read for all generations.'
--Edith McGuire Duvall, Tigerbelle, Olympic gold medalist
'Wyomia Tyus understood what the 'Ed Temple way' meant--strict discipline, integrity, and, most important, love. Her stories make clear how the Tigerbelles were able to succeed in the classroom, on the track, and in the world.'
--Dr. Edwina R. Temple, daughter of Tigerbelles coach Edward S. Temple
In 1968, Wyomia Tyus became the first person ever to win gold medals in the 100-meter sprint in two consecutive Olympic Games, a feat that would not be repeated for twenty years or exceeded for almost fifty. Tigerbelle: The Wyomia Tyus Story chronicles her journey from her childhood as the daughter of a tenant dairy farmer in rural Georgia through her Olympic triumphs to her post-competition struggles to attain recognition and find meaningful work.
While winning back-to-back gold is Tyus's claim to fame, her story would be compelling even if she had never gone to the Olympics. Her description of the 'safe haven' that was her childhood home, its destruction through a family tragedy, and her gradual recovery from that tragedy with the help of track, her legendary coach Ed Temple, and the other T
