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Biography · Sports & Achievement

Willye White

1939–2007

United States

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Biography

Willye Brown White (December 31, 1939 – February 6, 2007) was an American track and field athlete who took part in five Olympics from 1956 to 1972. She was America's best female long jumper of the time and also competed in the 100 meters sprint. White was a Tennessee State University Tigerbelle under Coach Ed Temple. An African-American, White was the first U.S. athlete to compete in track in five Olympics. White is an inductee in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame. A public park in Chicago is named in her honor.

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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-20

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