Rafer Johnson, Olympic decathlon champion in 1960, dies at 86

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He was 86 years old. No cause of death was given. A school statement said he died at his home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., Surrounded by his family.

Johnson’s victory in Rome in 1960 was one of the most memorable finishes of a decathlon in Olympic history. In a battle with CK Yang of Taiwan – Johnson’s UCLA teammate – the American had a slim lead heading into the 1,500 meters, the final event.

The two were in the same heat and despite it being Yang’s best event, Johnson stayed close enough to win the decathlon with just 58 points.

According to Bleacher Report, Johnson said: “I had an advantage. And I don’t think CK knew it at the time – it was my last decathlon. I was ready to run as fast as needed in this last race. of my life.”

Johnson, who later became an activist and actor, also won the silver medal in the 1956 Olympic decathlon. It was the last time he would not win a decathlon in which he competed.

“We are extremely saddened to lose one of the greatest humans one could hope to know,” said Avery Anderson, UCLA director of athletics / cross country. “Most people know him to be an all-time athlete and UCLA Olympian, but that only scratches the surface of what he’s given to the world.

“Rafer set the standard for what an icon should be – a humanitarian, a leader, a great friend and mentor, and most importantly a great patriarch of the most wonderful family I have ever known.”

Johnson was born August 18, 1934 in Hillsboro, Texas, and moved to California to college, according to USA Track & Field. In high school, he played football, baseball, basketball and track and field.

He then competed for UCLA in track and field, winning scholarships and track and field, arriving at Westwood in 1954. He won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1955 Pan Am Games. In 1956 he drove UCLA to its first NCAA title for track and field.

At UCLA, Johnson also played two seasons for legendary men’s basketball coach John Wooden, including as a starter in 1958-59, leading the Bruins in field goal percentage. He finished third on the team with 8.2 points per game.

Johnson is a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame and the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.

After his athletic career, Johnson worked for President John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps.

He also helped found Special Olympics Southern California.

He was working with Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign on June 5, 1968, when the Democratic candidate was shot. Johnson, former NFL star Rosey Grier, and reporter George Plimpton helped subdue shooter Sirhan Sirhan.

Johnson has been married to his wife, Betsy, for 49 years, according to USA Track and Field. Her daughter, Jenny Johnson-Jordan, was an Olympian in beach volleyball in 2000, and her son, Josh Johnson, was an All-America javelin thrower for UCLA. His brother, Jimmy Johnson, is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

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