Knowra Rafer Johnson Rafer Johnson Rafer Johnson was an American decathlete who won silver at the 1956 Olympics and gold at the 1960 Olympics. He later became an actor, sports official, and civic leader.
1956 Summer Olympics : The Summer Olympic Games held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956. Johnson won the decathlon silver medal there, behind Milt Campbell.
Hillsboro, Texas : A city in central Texas and the birthplace of Rafer Johnson. Johnson was born there in 1934 before his family moved to California.
Kirk Douglas : An American actor and film producer whose career spanned more than six decades. Douglas helped Johnson obtain an acting role in the 1960 film Spartacus.
1960 Summer Olympics opening ceremony : The ceremony that formally opened the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Johnson carried the United States flag as its national team’s flag bearer.
1960 Summer Olympics : The Summer Olympic Games held in Rome, Italy, in 1960. Johnson won decathlon gold after a close contest with Yang Chuan-kwang.
Kingsburg, California : A city in California’s San Joaquin Valley where Johnson grew up. His childhood in this farming community preceded his rise in track and field.
Robert F. Kennedy : An American politician and lawyer who served as U.S. attorney general and senator. Johnson was present during Kennedy’s 1968 assassination and helped subdue the gunman.
Spartacus (film) : A 1960 historical epic film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Johnson appeared in the film, beginning a public career beyond athletics.
Decathlon : A track-and-field competition combining ten events over two days. Johnson’s Olympic medals came in this demanding combined event.
University of California, Los Angeles : A public research university in Los Angeles, California. Johnson competed for UCLA and developed under coach Elvin C. Drake.
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