Births on January 11

Madeline Manning, American runner and coach

Madeline Manning Mims: A Legendary American Track and Field Icon

Madeline Manning Mims, born on January 11, 1948, stands as a towering figure in American track and field history, renowned for her exceptional prowess as a middle-distance runner. Her illustrious career, spanning from 1967 to 1981, was marked by consistent excellence, yielding ten national titles and the establishment of multiple American records.

A Champion on the Track: Olympic Glory and National Dominance

Manning Mims proudly represented the United States in three Summer Olympic Games: Mexico City in 1968, Munich in 1972, and Montreal in 1976. Her anticipated participation in the 1980 Moscow Games, which would have marked her fourth Olympic appearance, was unfortunately prevented by the United States' boycott in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

• Historic 800m Gold in 1968: At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Madeline Manning Mims achieved an extraordinary feat, capturing the gold medal in the 800 meters event. This victory was particularly significant as she became the very first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in this demanding race. For decades, her achievement stood as a testament to her trailblazing spirit. To date, only one other American woman, Athing Mu, has replicated this success, winning gold in the 2020 (held in 2021) Tokyo Olympics. Manning Mims also held the distinction of being the youngest Olympic 800m gold medalist until 2008, when Kenya's Pamela Jelimo, at just 18 years old, surpassed this record.
• 1972 4x400m Relay Silver: Four years later, at the 1972 Munich Games, Manning Mims showcased her versatility and teamwork, earning a silver medal in the 4 × 400 meters relay. She was an integral part of this formidable American quartet, alongside teammates Mable Fergerson, Kathy Hammond, and Cheryl Toussaint, contributing to a memorable performance on the global stage.

Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Madeline Manning Mims's dominance on the domestic circuit was unparalleled. From 1967 through 1980, she amassed an impressive collection of ten national indoor and outdoor titles, consistently setting new benchmarks and holding numerous American records in various middle-distance events.

Early Life, Resilience, and Collegiate Prowess

Madeline Manning Mims's journey to athletic stardom began with a remarkable display of resilience. At the tender age of three, she was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, a severe and often life-threatening condition, with medical professionals giving her little chance of survival. Defying all expectations, she recovered, though she battled recurring illnesses throughout her childhood until her teenage years. This early triumph over adversity foreshadowed the strength and determination that would define her athletic career.

Her athletic talent blossomed during her high school years at John Hay High School in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1965, she secured her first national title in the 440-yard run at the prestigious girls' Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships, an important proving ground for aspiring amateur athletes. Her exceptional performances quickly earned her a coveted spot on the U.S. national team, competing in high-profile international meets against formidable teams from West Germany, the USSR, and Poland.

Manning Mims continued her athletic and academic pursuits at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she became a celebrated member of the legendary "TigerBelles." Under the guidance of the iconic coach Ed Temple, the TigerBelles program was a powerhouse, producing an extraordinary number of female Olympic athletes and revolutionizing women's track and field. In recognition of her immense contributions and achievements in the sport, Madeline Manning Mims was rightfully inducted into the United States National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1984, cementing her legacy among the sport's greatest.

A Life of Purpose Beyond Athletics: Ministry, Music, and Education

Following her distinguished athletic career, Madeline Manning Mims embarked on a new chapter dedicated to faith, ministry, and service. She is the esteemed founder and president of the United States Council for Sports Chaplaincy, an organization devoted to providing spiritual support and guidance to athletes.

Her commitment to this calling is evident in her extensive service as an Olympic Games chaplain, a role she has fulfilled across numerous Olympic cycles: Seoul (1988), Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), and Beijing (2008). Through her ministry, Ambassadorship, Inc., she continues to impact lives by integrating sports and the arts for outreach and spiritual development.

Beyond her chaplaincy work, Manning Mims is a multifaceted talent. She is a published author, an inspiring speaker, and a contemporary gospel recording artist. Her musical contributions earned her an induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005, a testament to the breadth of her artistic abilities. Her dedication to spiritual growth continues as she currently pursues a Master of Divinity degree at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Furthermore, she extends her spiritual support to professional athletes, serving as one of the chaplains for the Tulsa Shock, a team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Personal Journey and Enduring Legacy

During the mid-1970s, Madeline Manning Mims competed under the hyphenated name Madeline Manning-Jackson. This period followed her marriage to John Jackson in 1969, a union that was brief, concluding in divorce by 1970. Despite the personal challenges, their marriage produced a son, John Jackson III, who inherited his mother's athletic prowess, becoming an NCAA Triple Jump champion while competing for the University of Oklahoma.

After a brief retirement from the sport, Manning Mims returned to running with an intense drive, fueled by personal anger and frustration stemming from her divorce. This raw emotional energy was so profound that her coach found it necessary to train her separately from her teammates, even needing to advise her to temper her pace. This period highlights her incredible mental fortitude and how she channeled personal adversity into renewed athletic vigor.

In 1976, she released a gospel soul album titled "Madeline: Running for Jesus" through NewPax. This album serves as a poignant reflection of her life, intertwining her athletic journey with her burgeoning spiritual path, demonstrating how her faith provided strength and purpose both on and off the track.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What were Madeline Manning Mims's major Olympic achievements?

Madeline Manning Mims won a gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, becoming the first American woman to do so. She also earned a silver medal in the 4 × 400 meters relay at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

How many national titles did Madeline Manning Mims win?

Between 1967 and 1980, Madeline Manning Mims secured a remarkable ten national indoor and outdoor track and field titles in the United States.

What is the significance of the "TigerBelles" in Madeline Manning Mims's career?

The "TigerBelles" refer to the renowned women's track and field team at Tennessee State University, where Madeline Manning Mims was a star athlete. Under the guidance of legendary coach Ed Temple, the TigerBelles program was instrumental in producing numerous Olympic athletes and significantly shaping women's track and field in the U.S.

What has Madeline Manning Mims done since retiring from professional running?

Since retiring from competitive running, Madeline Manning Mims has dedicated her life to ministry. She founded and serves as president of the United States Council for Sports Chaplaincy, has been a chaplain at multiple Olympic Games, runs her own ministry called Ambassadorship, Inc., and is an author, speaker, and contemporary gospel recording artist. She is also pursuing a Master of Divinity degree and serves as a chaplain for the WNBA's Tulsa Shock.

How did Madeline Manning Mims overcome early health challenges?

At the age of three, Madeline Manning Mims was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and was not expected to survive. She miraculously recovered, though she continued to face health issues until her teenage years, demonstrating incredible resilience from a very young age.