Tennessee State TigerBelles’ Champs at Mexico City Olympics
Over a half-century ago, and before Title IX, Tennessee State was the original dynasty of women’s track and field.
Head coach Ed Temple would guide the HBCU team into the international spotlight beginning in the 1950s. He coined the phrase “TigerBelles” to honor the team and the school mascot.
Eight years after Wilma Rudolph made history with her three gold medals in Rome, fellow TigerBelles were still adding their names to the Olympic and world record books. Ten athletes from Tennessee State traveled to Mexico City, and two medaled. Wyomia Tyus won the women’s 100m dash, becoming the first person ever to successfully defend a 100m title at the Olympic Games. Her time: a world record 11 seconds flat.
Only four athletes have repeated in this event since: Carl Lewis (USA), Gail Devers (USA), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM), and Usain Bolt (JAM).
Tyus (center) on top of the medal stand. Getty Images. To watch her race, click here.
Madeline Manning (Mims) won the women’s 800m run in Mexico City, the first black woman to do so. She even set a new Olympic record at 2:02.60. To date, she is the only American in history to win the event at the Olympics.
Manning Mims crossing the finish line. YouTube.
Tyus finished her career as a 4-time Olympic medalist. Manning Mims later became a gospel recording artist and the US Olympic Team’s chaplain. She has recently reflected on her historic moment here.
For a complete list of Tennessee State Olympians, click here.
