Bobbi Giesse
1983
Carol Ann Wooledge, known in competition as Bobbi Giesse, was a pioneering University of Illinois Gizz Kid who blazed a trail for women in wheelchair sports. She was one of three women named to the first U.S. women’s team to represent the United States at the 1962 Stoke Mandeville Games in England, following her sweep of the field events at the National Wheelchair Games that same year.
At the 1964 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where track events for women were introduced for the first time, Bobbi excelled—also competing as a member of Team USA’s first women’s fencing team. Across two Paralympic Games (Tokyo 1964 and Tel Aviv 1968), she earned an impressive four gold medals and four bronze medals.
Between 1962 and 1965, Bobbi competed in three Stoke Mandeville Games, earning four gold medals and six silver medals. At the 1967 inaugural Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, she continued her success with three gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
After seven years of international competition, Bobbi retired in 1969 to make room for younger female athletes. However, her passion for sport brought her out of retirement in 1970, when the Chicago Sidewinders persuaded her to join their powerful women’s team. At the Detroit Regional Games, she won six first-place finishes, led her team to the women’s team championship trophy, and earned the individual High Point trophy—all while four months pregnant.
Throughout her career, Bobbi was celebrated not only for her achievements but also for her sportsmanship and mentorship. She freely shared her experience with younger competitors and served as an inspiration to women athletes during the formative years of wheelchair sports. Bobbi’s enduring legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and international sisterhood through sport.