Home Alumni Old School Photo: The Drake Relays “Tornado”

Old School Photo: The Drake Relays “Tornado”

Old School Photo: The Drake Relays “Tornado”

 

Before the Blue Oval was blue, and before it was common to see female track and field superstars take the Drake Relays by storm, there was Wilma Rudolph. Nicknamed “The Tornado” at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Rudolph became the first woman to win a Drake Relays event in 1961 — the 100-yard dash, with a time of 0:11.1. Above (pictured second from left), Rudolph is setting for the 100-yard dash and signing autographs for her competitors after her win. She retired from running the following year.

A host of talented athletes, both male and female, will be competing in the 103rd Drake Relays April 26–28. To see results as they come in, visit godrakebulldogs.com. You can also keep up with all Drake Relays events on social media by following @DrakeRelays on Twitter and liking the Drake Relays page on Facebook.