WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, SportsCoachman visits Albany State University

Coachman visits Albany State University

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By Jay Polk - bio | email
Olympic Gold Medalist Alice Coachman signs a copy of her book Touch the Sky at Albany State University on Wednesday. Olympic Gold Medalist Alice Coachman signs a copy of her book Touch the Sky at Albany State University on Wednesday.
While Alice Coachman signs another copy of her book, Patience Hicks-Arline talks about her book "Old Mean Molly". The children's book is based on events in Hicks-Arline's own life. While Alice Coachman signs another copy of her book, Patience Hicks-Arline talks about her book "Old Mean Molly". The children's book is based on events in Hicks-Arline's own life.
The cover to "Touch the Sky". The book chronicles Alice Coachman's life as the first African American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal, which she did while setting a world record in the high jump. The cover to "Touch the Sky". The book chronicles Alice Coachman's life as the first African American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal, which she did while setting a world record in the high jump.
Valerie Lewis and Tabitha Mathis sit behind copies of their books in front the ASU Bookstore. Lewis' book is called "If Only There Were One Color In The World" and Mathis' work is called "The Betrayal of a Man". Valerie Lewis and Tabitha Mathis sit behind copies of their books in front the ASU Bookstore. Lewis' book is called "If Only There Were One Color In The World" and Mathis' work is called "The Betrayal of a Man".
Alice Coachman sits with ASU student Hillary Scales. Alice Coachman sits with ASU student Hillary Scales.
ALBANY, GA -

One of the greatest athletes ever to come out of Albany met students at Albany State University Wednesday.

Alice Coachman became the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she set a world record in the high jump in 1948.

She was the only American woman to win a gold medal during those games in London.

As part of Black History Month Coachman was signed copies of her book Touch the Sky.

She says the Olympics have changed a lot over the years but the lessons young people can learn from them haven't.

"Have some guts, and some determination.  And if you carry that with you and don't let it go, get away from you.  You're entitled to anything you want to do," she said.

Hillary Scales, an Albany State University Student said, "it kind of like sets the standard, we need to do something, you know what I mean.  So, it's really an honor."

Coachman thinks she would actually have done even better than her world record if she had been able to compete in the Olympics in 1944, but those games were not held due to World War II.

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