Rafer Johnson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Rafer Johnson.

Rafer Johnson is an American former decathlete, philanthropist, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history. Born on August 18, 1934, in Hillsboro, Texas, Johnson rose to prominence during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

He achieved national recognition as a student-athlete at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1955, Johnson won his first Pan-American Games gold medal in the decathlon, and a year later, he earned his first Olympic medal, a silver, at the 1956 Melbourne Games.

However, it was in 1960 at the Rome Olympics that Johnson etched his name in sports history. There, he battled his longtime friend and rival, C.K. Yang, in an epic decathlon competition. In a thrilling climax, Johnson forged ahead in the final event, the 1,500-meter run, to claim the Olympic gold medal and set a new world record.

Following his athletic career, Johnson became engaged in philanthropic work, co-founding the California Special Olympics and serving as the organization's chairman for multiple years. Additionally, he appeared on screen, showcasing his acting skills in films like "License to Kill" and "The Sins of Rachel Cade."

Throughout his life, Rafer Johnson has not only left an indelible mark in the world of sports but also made significant contributions to society through his charitable endeavors.