Date of Birth: August 18, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: December 2, 2020
Biography
Rafer Johnson was an American decathlete and film actor who was one of the world’s greatest athletes during the 1950s and 1960s. He was born on August 18, 1934, in Hillsboro, Texas. Johnson rose to prominence in athletics while attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was coached by the legendary Elvin C. “Ducky” Drake. Johnson’s athletic career peaked when he won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics, narrowly defeating his compatriot and friend C.K. Yang. Johnson’s contributions extended beyond athletics. He was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and played a significant role in the Special Olympics, co-founding the California Special Olympics in 1969. Johnson also ventured into acting and broadcasting, appearing in several films and television shows. His legacy is remembered not only for his athletic prowess but also for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to society. Rafer Johnson passed away on December 2, 2020, at the age of 86, leaving behind an enduring legacy in both sports and social advocacy.
5 Interesting Facts about Rafer Johnson
1. Rafer Johnson was the first African American to carry the U.S. flag during the Olympic opening ceremony, which he did in 1960.
2. He won the silver medal in the decathlon at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
3. Johnson was a member of the organizing committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
4. He was present at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and helped apprehend Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968.
5. Johnson was a two-time national decathlon champion and set a world record in the event in 1960.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rafer Johnson
1. “The only one who can tell you ‘you can’t’ is you. And you don’t have to listen.”
2. “Success is not the measure of a man, but a triumph over those who choose to hold him back.”
3. “My greatest accomplishment was not winning the gold medal, but being able to inspire others to achieve their dreams.”
4. “True happiness comes from giving and helping others achieve their goals.”
5. “In sports and in life, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Rafer Johnson’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Rafer Johnson had two children: Jennifer Johnson, a television journalist, and Joshua Johnson, who has pursued a career in acting and public service.
Relevant Links
1. [Olympic Profile: Rafer Johnson](https://www.olympic.org/rafer-johnson
2. [Rafer Johnson’s Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafer-Johnson
4. [Rafer Johnson’s UCLA Athletics Profile](https://uclabruins.com/sports/2013/4/17/208274349.aspx
