The Triumph Can’t Be Had Without the Struggle Collector Mug honors the life and legacy of Wilma Rudolph, an African American Olympic track and field athlete born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was the twentieth of twenty two children born to Blanche Rudolph, a housemaid, and Ed Rudolph, a railroad porter. Wilma was born prematurely and faced serious health challenges in early childhood, including polio, scarlet fever, and pneumonia, illnesses that weakened her left leg and made it difficult for her to walk. For several years she wore a leg brace, and doctors once believed she might never walk normally.
With the support of her mother and family, Wilma spent years strengthening her leg through therapy and daily exercise. By the time she was twelve years old, she was able to walk without the brace, and not long after she began playing sports and running. In high school she became one of the fastest runners in Tennessee and was later recruited to Tennessee State University, where she trained under coach Ed Temple as part of one of the strongest women’s track programs in the country.
Wilma first competed in the Olympic Games in 1956 at the age of sixteen, winning a bronze medal as part of the 4×100 meter relay team. Four years later, at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, she made history by winning three gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games. She was widely recognized around the world as the fastest woman in the world. Reflecting on her journey, Wilma Rudolph once said, “The triumph can’t be had without the struggle,” a statement that continues to define her life and legacy.
Wilma Rudolph often spoke about perseverance and belief in oneself. She encouraged young people to dream and remain determined, saying, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.” She also reminded others that growth requires resilience, saying, “Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.” After retiring from competition, she worked as a teacher, coach, and mentor, continuing to inspire young people and advocate for equality in sports and education. Wilma Rudolph died on November 12, 1994, at the age of 54, and her life continues to stand as a powerful example of perseverance, discipline, and determination.
A collectible piece with a message. Lamonte’s original artwork meets the words “The triumph can’t be had without the struggle” as a reminder that strength is often built through patience, resilience, and the courage to keep going.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
