Growing up in Griffin, Georgia, Wyomia Tyus was like a lot of southern kids – playful, tenacious, and determined to carve out her own space. What set her apart was extraordinary speed and a focus that would eventually make her one of the most celebrated Olympic athletes in history. Today, Griffin’s Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park stands as a vibrant tribute to her groundbreaking achievements, her lasting impact on sports, and her hometown legacy.
A Trailblazer Breaking Records
Wyomia Tyus’s entrance on the world stage came at just 19 years old during the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. Fresh from the Tennessee State University Tigerbelles, a legendary track program, she laced up on the starting line for the 100-meter dash and quickly made her mark. Tyus tied the world record in her qualifying heat, then sprinted past her competitors to grab her first Olympic gold medal.
That golden run? Just the beginning.
Four years later, Tyus returned to the Olympics in Mexico City and pulled off what no athlete – man or woman – had ever done before: she won gold in the 100-meter dash in back-to-back Olympic Games. Her time of 11.08 seconds set a new world record. As if that weren’t enough, she added another gold in the 4×100-meter relay, leading the U.S. women’s team to a world record of their own.
It wasn’t just her talent that stood out. Tyus’s confidence and joyful spirit turned her into a cultural icon. Before the 1968 final, she danced the “Tighten Up” at the starting blocks – just to keep nerves at bay. That moment, caught on film, still brings a smile to fans today.
The Griffin Connection
Wyomia Tyus’s legend is woven straight into the story of Griffin itself. She grew up in this tight-knit town, facing the challenges of segregation while learning the values of hard work and community. Her unique blend of quiet determination and fiery speed inspired friends, family, and neighbors. Everyone in Griffin cheered her on during those Olympic showdowns.
Today, Tyus is celebrated as a hometown hero. Griffin honors her with Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, a place where families can picnic, play, and, if the mood strikes, try out some sprints themselves.
Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park: A Place for Community & Inspiration
Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park isn’t just a name on a sign. It’s a living homage to athleticism, perseverance, and community spirit. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the park’s wide-open spaces, making it perfect for family outings, sports, and relaxation.
You’ll find:
- Walking and jogging trails with a mapped 5K Course
- Paved Walking Track
- Professional Pickleball and Soccer Complexes
- Playground areas
- Picnic pavilions and green spaces for gatherings or a quiet afternoon under the trees
- Accessible amenities, making it welcoming for all
It’s a local hub for athletic leagues, festivals, and community celebrations – exactly the kind of spot where Wyomia Tyus’s story can inspire the next generation of athletes.
Champion, Pioneer, Advocate
Wyomia Tyus did more than rack up medals and break world records. She became a trailblazer at a time when female athletes – especially Black women – faced steep barriers. As a Tigerbelle, she carried forward the legacy of legendary coach Ed Temple and fellow sprinter Wilma Rudolph, proving that Black women could dominate on the world stage.
During a pivotal moment in civil rights history, Tyus used her platform for quiet activism. After winning her 1968 gold, she dedicated her win to fellow Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose raised-fist salute on the medal stand electrified the world and called attention to racial injustice. Tyus didn’t grab headlines for protest, but her words and her continued excellence sent a powerful message.
She later channeled her success into advocacy. As a founding member of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Tyus championed opportunities for young women in sport. She coached, mentored, and spoke out for equality, helping clear a path for women athletes everywhere.
A Life Remembered, A Story Preserved
While Wyomia Tyus earned international fame, she always held onto her small-town Georgia roots. Her story – chronicled in her memoir “Tigerbelle: The Wyomia Tyus Story” – shows how her early years, supportive community, and family powered her drive.
Her legacy continues to grow. Tyus has been honored by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In 1999, Griffin officially opened Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a space dedicated to health, fun, and achievement.
But perhaps her most meaningful legacy is the inspiration she brings to each visitor who walks, runs, or plays in the park. That spark – the same spirit that propelled a young Griffin girl onto the world stage – is alive in the laughter and shouts echoing across the park’s fields.
Plan Your Visit to Tyus Park
If you’re planning a trip to Griffin, Tyus Park should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a sports lover, a family on an afternoon outing, or a history buff curious about Olympic legends, the park welcomes everyone.
Bring a picnic, watch a local game, or let the kids loose on the playground. Take a moment to read the park’s signs about Wyomia Tyus and reflect on how one person’s dream can lift a whole community.
Before you go, check out other things to do in Griffin. Great restaurants, friendly shops, and a packed events calendar mean there’s plenty more to explore: See what’s happening around Griffin.
When you visit Tyus Park, you’re not just enjoying a lovely green space – you’re stepping into a living legacy. You’re reminded that from small towns, greatness grows.
Looking to learn more about Wyomia Tyus or planning your visit? The Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association is here to help. Enjoy your stay, soak in that Olympic spirit, and don’t forget – history runs right through Griffin, Georgia.
