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Rafer Johnson, once the “World’s Greatest Athlete,” dies at age 86
Rafer Johnson, the winner of the 1960 Olympic decathlon gold medal, died on December 2, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Johnson was the African-American son of Texas farmworkers who rose to become the “World’s Greatest Athlete,” the unofficial title bestowed on the winner of the Olympic decathlon at a time when track and field stars received the adulation that today is bestowed on the professional football and basketball superstars.
Johnson embracing C. K. Yang at the conclusion of the decathlon in the Rome Olympics in 1960
The decathlon is a grueling two-day, 10-event sport that tests versatility, strength, speed and endurance that includes sprints, high hurdles, pole-vaulting, the high jump and broad jump, the javelin and discus throws, and the 1,500-meter run.