RIP Rafer Johnson

Dan did all right for himself after that — set the world record that fall, won the 1993 and ‘95 world championships and took the ‘96 Olympic gold medal.

 

That guy Eaton wasn't too bad at London and Rio, as I recall.

 

Absolutely WORST sport to cover in the "old" newspaper way ... running results of all scorers. I'd need a chiropractic adjustment to my neck from holding the phone against my collarbone talking to the callers.

But my leg pistons up and down when I watch an exciting race ... even one I've seen dozens of times.

 

My first memory of him.

 

Bob Matthias won it twice, 48/52. Daley Thompson won it twice, 80/84.

 

Before Jim Brown went into the movies, Rafer Johnson went into the movies.

Also instrumental in helping launch Special Olympics.

Some great descriptions of him competing in "Rome 1960," by David Maraniss.

To his rest.

 

Of course. Dumb oversight on my part.

 

Not at all.