T1B

One of the great "all-round athletes" of all time. After winning the Olympic decathlon at 17 in 1948 he became the first to repeat in the event four years later.

makes you wonder if he did it today that
he'd be accused of doping or something !
one of the greats

Wolfman wrote:makes you wonder if he did it today that
he'd be accused of doping or something !
one of the greats

I sort of doubt it. He showed great ability from the start. It wasn't like he was a minor league athlete when he was 15 or 16 & then won in London at 17.

His story is really pretty amazing.

He had never competed in a decathlon before 1948, but he excelled in several events so his HS in coach convinced him to try it. At first he had trouble doing an 8 ft pole vault. He competed in the US trials and by summer won the event in the Olypmics by a wide margin. By 1952 he had set more than one world record. He also scored two TDs in the second half against USC, one a 96 yard kickoff return, in the final game of the season to send Stanford to the 1952 Rose Bowl.

You figure a guy like that would've kept in shape and lived a longer life. Shows to go ya...

It's all about parts....

I've met Bob Mathias several times. He will be missed around Cen Cal. A great athlete who never stopped inspiring others "especially youngsters" to do their best, practice hard and have fun.

RIP

Peace be w/you Bob, RIP.......


RIP

Y2K wrote:I've met Bob Mathias several times. He will be missed around Cen Cal. A great athlete who never stopped inspiring others "especially youngsters" to do their best, practice hard and have fun.

RIP

Calling Phoenix Rob