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Rafer Johnson
Rafer Johnson
Rafer Johnson
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Rafer Lewis Johnson (August 18, 1934 – December 2, 2020) was an American decathlete and film and television actor. He was the 1960 Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, having won silver in 1956. He had previously won a gold at the 1955 Pan American Games. Johnson was the U.S. team's flag bearer at the 1960 Olympics and lit the Olympic cauldron at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Key Information

In 1968, Johnson, football player Rosey Grier, and journalist George Plimpton tackled Sirhan Sirhan moments after he had fatally shot Robert F. Kennedy.

After he retired from athletics, Johnson turned to acting, sportscasting, and public service and was instrumental in creating the California Special Olympics. His acting career included appearances in The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961), the Elvis Presley film Wild in the Country (1961), Pirates of Tortuga (1961), None but the Brave (1965), two Tarzan films with Mike Henry, The Last Grenade (1970), Soul Soldier (1970), Roots: The Next Generations (1979), the James Bond film Licence to Kill (1989), and Think Big (1990).

Biography

[edit]

Johnson was born in Hillsboro, Texas on August 18, 1934.[a][3][4] His family moved to Kingsburg, California, when he was aged nine.[5] For a while, they were the only black family in the town.[6] A versatile athlete, he played on Kingsburg High School's soccer, baseball and basketball teams. He was also elected class president in both junior high and high school.[6] The summer between his sophomore and junior years in high school (age 16), his coach Murl Dodson drove Johnson 24 miles (40 km) to Tulare and watched Bob Mathias compete in the 1952 U.S. Olympic decathlon trials.[7] Johnson told his coach, "I could have beaten most of those guys."[6] Dodson and Johnson drove back a month later to watch Mathias's victory parade. Weeks later, Johnson competed in a high school invitational decathlon and won the event. He also won the 1953 and 1954 California state high school decathlon meets.[7]

In 1954, as a freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), his progress in the event was impressive; he broke the world record in his fourth competition.[6] He pledged Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, America's first non-sectarian fraternity, and was class president[6] at UCLA. In 1955, in Mexico City, he won the title at the Pan American Games.[3]

Johnson qualified for both the decathlon and the long jump events for the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. However, he was hampered by an injury and forfeited his place in the long jump. Despite this handicap, he managed win silver in the decathlon behind compatriot Milt Campbell. It would turn out to be his last defeat in the event.[6]

Due to injury, Johnson missed the 1957 and 1959 seasons (the latter due to a car accident), but he broke the world record in 1958 and again in 1960.[2] The crown to his career came at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. His most serious rival was Yang Chuan-Kwang (C. K. Yang) of Taiwan. Yang also studied at UCLA; the two trained together under UCLA track coach Elvin C. "Ducky" Drake and had become friends. In the decathlon, the lead swung back and forth between them. Finally, after nine events, Johnson led Yang by a small margin, but Yang was known to be better in the final event, the 1500 m. According to The Telegraph (UK), "legend has it" that Drake gave coaching to both men, with him advising Johnson to stay close to Yang and be ready for "a hellish sprint" at the end, and advising Yang to put as much distance between himself and Johnson before the final sprint as possible.[8][9]

Johnson ran his personal best at 4:49.7 and finished just 1.2 sec slower than Yang, winning the gold by 58 points with an Olympic record total of 8,392 points. Both athletes were exhausted and drained and came to a stop a few paces past the finish line leaning against each other for support.[8] With this victory, Johnson ended his athletic career.[3]

At UCLA, Johnson also played basketball under legendary coach John Wooden and was a starter for the Bruins on their 1958–59 team.[10] Wooden considered Johnson a great defensive player, but sometimes regretted holding back his teams early in his coaching career, remarking, "imagine Rafer Johnson on the [fast] break."[6]

Johnson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 28th round (333rd overall) of the 1959 NFL draft as a running back.[11] Johnson was also selected as a guard by the Los Angeles Jets as one of their two territorial selections in the inaugural 1961 ABL draft alongside Gary Phillips.[12] However, he would never play for either Los Angeles based team or in either professional sports league.

Johnson at the 1960 Summer Olympics

While training for the 1960 Olympics, his friend Kirk Douglas told him about a part in Spartacus that Douglas thought might make him a star: the Ethiopian gladiator Draba, who refuses to kill Spartacus (played by Douglas) after defeating him in a duel. Johnson read for and got the role, but was forced to turn it down because the Amateur Athletic Union told him it would make him a professional and therefore ineligible for the Olympics under the rules of the time. The role eventually went to another UCLA great, Woody Strode.[6] In 1960, Johnson began acting in motion pictures and working as a sportscaster. He made several film appearances, mostly in the 1960s. Johnson worked full-time as a sportscaster in the early 1970s. He was a weekend sports anchor on the local NBC affiliate in Los Angeles, KNBC, but seemed uncomfortable in that position and eventually moved on to other things.[13]

Johnson worked on the presidential election campaign of United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and on June 5, 1968, with the help of Rosey Grier and George Plimpton, he apprehended Sirhan Sirhan immediately after Sirhan had assassinated Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Kennedy died the following day at Good Samaritan Hospital. Johnson discussed the experience in his autobiography, The Best That I Can Be (published in 1999 by Galilee Trade Publishing and co-authored with Philip Goldberg).[5]

Johnson at the 1972 Special Olympics

Johnson served on the organizing committee for the first Special Olympics competition in Chicago in 1968, hosted by Special Olympics founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the next year he led the founding of the California Special Olympics.[2] Johnson, along with a small group of volunteers, founded California Special Olympics in 1969 by conducting a competition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 900 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Following the first California Games in 1969, Johnson became one of the original members of the board of directors. The board worked together to raise funds and offer a modest program of swimming and track and field. In 1983, Rafer ran for President of the Board to increase Board participation, reorganize the staff to most effectively use each person's talents, and expand fundraising efforts. He was elected president and served in the capacity until 1992, when he was named chairman of the Board of Governors.[14]

Family

[edit]

Johnson married Elizabeth Thorsen in 1971. They had two children and four grandchildren.[15]

Johnson's brother Jimmy was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and his daughter Jennifer competed in beach volleyball at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney following her collegiate career at UCLA.[1] His son Joshua Johnson followed his father into track and field and had a podium finish in the javelin throw at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.[16]

Johnson participated in the Art of the Olympians program.[17]

Death

[edit]

Rafer Johnson died after suffering a stroke on December 2, 2020, in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 86.[18]

Achievements

[edit]
Johnson at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome

Johnson was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 1958[19] and won the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States in 1960, breaking that award's color barrier. In 1962, he received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[20] He was chosen to ignite the Olympic Flame during the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first Black athlete in Olympic history to do so.[6] In 1994, he was elected into the first class of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.[13]

In 1998, Johnson was named one of ESPN's 100 Greatest North American Athletes of the 20th Century. In 2006, the NCAA named him one of the 100 Most Influential Student Athletes of the past 100 years.[21] On August 25, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver announced that Johnson would be one of 13 California Hall of Fame inductees in The California Museum's yearlong exhibit. The induction ceremony was on December 1, 2009, in Sacramento, California.[22] Johnson was a member of The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. National Intercollegiate All-American Football Players Honor Roll.[23]

Rafer Johnson Junior High School in Kingsburg, California is named in his honor, as are Rafer Johnson Community Day School and Rafer Johnson Children's Center, both in Bakersfield, California.[24] The latter school, which has classes for special education students from the ages of birth-5, also puts on an annual Rafer Johnson Day. Every year Johnson himself spoke at the event and cheered on hundreds of students with special needs as they participated in a variety of track and field events.[25]

In 2010, Johnson received the Fernando Award for Civic Accomplishment from the Fernando Foundation and in 2011, he was inducted into the Bakersfield City School District Hall of Fame. Additionally, Rafer acted as the athletic advisor to Dan Guerrero, Director of Athletics at UCLA. He was Inducted into the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.[26]

In November 2014, Johnson received the Athletes in Excellence Award from The Foundation for Global Sports Development, in recognition of his community service efforts and work with youth.[27]

In 2005, Johnson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) degree from Whittier College.[28]

Filmography

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Actor

[edit]

Source:[29][30]

Production roles

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Notes

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References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rafer Johnson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rafer Lewis Johnson (August 18, 1935 – December 2, 2020) was an American who won the gold medal in the at the in , edging out his close friend and rival C.K. Yang in a dramatic final event. He had previously secured the in the same event at the 1956 Olympics in . Johnson set three world records in the , in 1955, 1958, and at the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials, establishing himself as one of the premier multi-event athletes of his . Beyond athletics, he pursued roles in and , worked as a sportscaster, and engaged in public service, including co-founding the California in 1969 with a group of volunteers and serving as an early advisor and enthusiast for the organization. On June 5, 1968, Johnson was present at the Ambassador Hotel in and assisted in subduing immediately after the assassin shot . He later carried the Olympic torch up the steps of the to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony.

Early Life

Family Background

Rafer Lewis Johnson was born on August 18, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Lewis Johnson, a cotton picker and farm handyman, and Alma Gibson Johnson, a domestic worker and homemaker. The family resided initially with Johnson's paternal grandparents in a large home that also housed five aunts and uncles, reflecting the multigenerational living arrangements common among working-class African American families in the segregated South during the Great Depression. When Johnson was approximately 18 months old, his parents relocated the family to a segregated African American neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, seeking better opportunities amid economic hardship. As the second of six children, Johnson grew up in conditions marked by poverty and , with his father often absent due to seasonal labor demands. His younger brother, Jimmy Johnson, later achieved prominence as a professional football player and member of the , highlighting a family pattern of athletic talent emerging from modest beginnings. In 1945, when Johnson was nine years old, the family moved again to , after his father secured employment in the Oakland shipyards during , a migration driven by the promise of industrial jobs for Black workers in the West. This transition from rural sharecropping life to California's Central Valley exposed Johnson to new environments, though the family continued facing economic challenges and discrimination.

Education and Early Athletic Development

Johnson attended Kingsburg High School in , graduating in 1954. There, he distinguished himself as a multisport , earning varsity letters in football, , , and . In football, he averaged nine yards per carry; in , he scored 17 points per game; in , he batted over .400; and in track, he secured two California state decathlon championships. His high school experiences fostered a focus on , particularly the , which aligned with his versatile skills across sprints, jumps, throws, and endurance events. Johnson initially participated in various sports but shifted emphasis to the after recognizing its demand for comprehensive athleticism. Following high school, Johnson enrolled at the (UCLA), where he joined the team and competed in his first as a freshman in 1954, posting competitive scores that signaled his potential. At UCLA, he also played under coach and captained the varsity track team, while maintaining strong academic performance. He graduated in 1959 with a degree, having balanced rigorous training with campus leadership roles.

Athletic Career

Collegiate Achievements

Johnson attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he competed in and from 1954 to 1958. As a freshman in 1955, he established a decathlon world record of 7,608 points at the Coliseum, eclipsing the mark set by in the 1952 Olympics. This performance marked the first of three world records he would set in the event, with another following in 1958 during a dual meet against the in , where he scored 8,302 points. During his sophomore year, Johnson contributed to the UCLA track team by competing in 10 of the 15 standard events, demonstrating versatility across sprints, jumps, throws, and distance runs. In addition to track, Johnson played forward on the UCLA team, appearing in 23 games with career averages of 8.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. His multifaceted athletic involvement exemplified the student-athlete ideal, complemented by academic leadership as president of the UCLA student body. These collegiate endeavors laid the foundation for his national and international success, including multiple titles won during his time as a Bruin.

International Competitions and Records

Johnson won the at the in , establishing his first world record with a score of 7,985 points under the prevailing scoring tables. This marked his international debut in the event and surpassed the previous record held by . In July 1958, during a – dual meet in , Johnson reclaimed the with 8,302 points, defeating Soviet athlete Vasiliy Kuznetsov by 405 points. He improved upon this mark on July 9, 1960, at the U.S. Olympic Trials in , scoring 8,683 points to set his third and final . These performances highlighted Johnson's dominance in the on the global stage, with his records reflecting advancements in and technique during the era, though scores are not directly comparable to modern tables due to revisions in point calculations implemented after 1960.

Rivalries and Training Methods

Johnson's primary rivalry developed with his UCLA teammate C.K. Yang of , with whom he trained intensively and competed closely in multiple decathlons, culminating in their legendary duel at the 1960 Rome Olympics where Johnson edged Yang for gold by 58 points (8392 to 8334), despite Yang winning seven of the ten events. Their friendship motivated mutual improvement, as Yang's strengths in events like the 400 meters and hurdles pushed Johnson to refine his all-around consistency. Another significant rivalry was with Soviet decathlete Vasily , against whom Johnson competed in international meets, including a 1958 U.S.-Soviet dual where Johnson defeated Kuznetsov by 405 points to reclaim the at 8302 points after Kuznetsov had set it earlier that year at 8016. These encounters, often framed within athletic competition, highlighted Johnson's edge in endurance and technical versatility, as he surpassed Kuznetsov's paces in multi-event scoring. Johnson's training regimen emphasized a comprehensive workload across all ten decathlon events to build proficiency and stamina for the two-day format, involving daily practice of sprints, jumps, throws, and distance runs under UCLA coaches who stressed technique mastery amid high-volume sessions. Training alongside Yang amplified intensity, with the pair simulating competition pressures through joint workouts that included event-specific drills and recovery-focused conditioning, enabling Johnson to break the three times between 1958 and 1960. Post-injury recoveries, such as after a 1959 heel issue, incorporated gradual and walking to rebuild base fitness before resuming full event training. This methodical approach, prioritizing incremental gains in each discipline, distinguished Johnson's preparation from less balanced regimens of contemporaries.

Olympic Career

1956 Summer Olympics

Rafer Johnson competed in the decathlon at the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia, from November 23 to December 8. He earned a silver medal with a total score of 7,587 points, finishing behind teammate Milton Campbell, who won gold with 7,937 points, an Olympic record. Bronze went to Soviet athlete Vasili Kuznetsov with 7,465 points. Johnson had qualified for both the and events but withdrew from the due to . A , sustained earlier and aggravated during the competition, hampered his performance, preventing him from challenging for the gold despite leading after the first day. The spanned two days, November 29 and December 1, consisting of ten events: 100 meters, , , , 400 meters, 110 meter hurdles, , , , and 1500 meters.
RankAthleteNationPoints
GoldMilton Campbell7,937 (OR)
SilverRafer Johnson7,587
BronzeVasili Kuznetsov7,465
This marked Johnson's Olympic debut and established him as a top decathlete, setting the stage for his gold in 1960.

1960 Summer Olympics

Rafer Johnson carried the flag for the delegation at the of the in on August 25, marking the first time an African American had been selected for this honor. The Games, held from August 25 to September 11, featured Johnson competing in the on September 5 and 6, where he faced intense rivalry from his UCLA roommate and training partner, C.K. Yang of . Entering the event undefeated in since the 1956 Olympics, Johnson led after the first day’s events—100 meters, , , , and 400 meters—with strong performances including a 10.3-second 100 meters and a 7.07-meter . Yang closed the gap on day two, outperforming Johnson in the 110-meter hurdles (14.0 seconds versus Johnson's 14.7) and , while Johnson held advantages in and maintained enough lead entering the final 1,500 meters. Despite knee injuries and exhaustion, Johnson ran the 1,500 meters in 4:52.7, finishing 1.2 seconds ahead of Yang to secure with 8,392 points—an Olympic record at the time—while Yang earned silver with 8,334 points, a margin of just 58 points. The duel exemplified their friendship and mutual motivation, with Johnson crediting Yang's presence for pushing him to victory, though it came at personal physical cost, including requiring surgery post-Games. Bronze went to Soviet Vasili Kuznetsov with 7,945 points.

Post-Athletic Pursuits

Role in Bringing 1984 Olympics to Los Angeles

In 1979, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley invited Rafer Johnson to serve on the board of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC), the body tasked with planning and executing the after the city's unopposed selection as host by the in May 1978. Johnson's participation lent credibility and athletic expertise to the committee's efforts amid initial financial uncertainties, as the event required securing private sponsorships without relying on federal or local taxpayer funds. A pivotal contribution came during the committee's leadership selection that year, when Johnson cast the deciding vote to elect as LAOOC president. Ueberroth's subsequent strategies—emphasizing corporate partnerships, volunteer mobilization, and cost controls—generated a surplus of approximately $225 million for the city and Olympic development, transforming potential fiscal risks into a model for future Games. This outcome validated the committee's preparatory work, including venue upgrades at the and coordination for 6,829 athletes from 140 nations. Johnson's board involvement extended to symbolic roles that bolstered public and international support, culminating in his selection as the final torchbearer for the on July 28, 1984, where he ascended 99 steps to light the despite physical challenges from old injuries. This moment, viewed by millions, underscored his embodiment of Olympic ideals and reinforced ' successful hosting narrative.

Philanthropy and Special Olympics Involvement

In 1969, Johnson co-founded the California Special Olympics alongside and a group of volunteers, organizing its inaugural competition that drew 900 participants. This initiative marked one of his earliest major philanthropic endeavors, focusing on providing athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Johnson served in key leadership roles within the organization, including as president, national , and global ambassador, dedicating decades to promoting the movement's growth and supporting athletes' development. His involvement extended to acting as an enthusiastic sports adviser and fan from the program's inception, emphasizing personal achievement and community inclusion through sports. Beyond , Johnson's philanthropy encompassed broader efforts aiding the mentally and physically disabled, as well as advocacy, reflecting his commitment to leveraging his athletic prominence for societal benefit. He expressed a personal motivation to empower athletes, stating, "From the very start in 1969, I wanted to be a part of helping our athletes succeed."

Media and Entertainment Contributions

Following his 1960 Olympic gold medal, Johnson pursued opportunities in the entertainment industry, leveraging his athletic fame for acting roles and broadcasting work. He debuted in film with small parts in several 1961 productions, including , (starring as Davis), Pirates of Tortuga (as John Gammel), and The Fiercest Heart (as Nzobe). These early appearances capitalized on his physical presence and public profile as a decathlete. Johnson continued acting sporadically through the 1960s and 1980s, appearing in Frank Sinatra's None But the Brave (1965), two Tarzan films—Tarzan and the Great River (1967) and Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (1968)—and the James Bond film Licence to Kill (1989) as DEA agent Mullens. His television credits included episodes of Lassie, Dragnet 1967, Mission: Impossible, Quincy M.E. (as Ezra Glidden), and Roots: The Next Generations (as Nelson). He also portrayed himself in the 1976 made-for-TV film The Loneliest Runner, a semi-autobiographical story directed by Michael Landon about a young track athlete. In addition to , Johnson worked as a television sportscaster, providing commentary on athletic events and drawing on his expertise as a world-record holder in the . His pursuits were modest compared to his athletic and philanthropic endeavors, serving primarily to extend his public influence rather than as a primary career.

Personal Life and Public Service

Marriage and Family

Johnson married Elizabeth "Betsy" Thorsen, a UCLA alumna, on December 18, 1971. The couple remained married for 49 years until Johnson's death in 2020. They had two children: Jennifer "Jenny" Johnson-Jordan, born in 1973, and son Joshua "Josh" Johnson, born in 1975. In 1973, the family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California, where they raised their children. Both children pursued athletic careers, reflecting Johnson's own legacy in sports. Jenny Johnson-Jordan competed as an Olympian in the at the 2000 Sydney Games and later served as associate for UCLA's team. Josh Johnson played basketball for UCLA under coach during the 1958-59 season before transferring. Johnson and Thorsen had four grandchildren. Johnson was the second youngest of six children born to Jim and Alice Johnson, a farm laborer and domestic worker, respectively; his younger brother, Jimmy Johnson, became a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee as a defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers.

Involvement in Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Incident

Rafer Johnson, a longtime friend and campaign supporter of Robert F. Kennedy, accompanied the senator through the kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, following Kennedy's victory speech celebrating his win in the California Democratic presidential primary. As the group moved toward an exit, 24-year-old Sirhan Sirhan emerged from the pantry crowd and fired eight shots from a .22-caliber Iver-Johnson Cadet revolver, striking Kennedy three times—including once in the head—and wounding five others. Johnson, positioned immediately behind Kennedy, lunged at Sirhan along with NFL player Rosey Grier and writer George Plimpton, tackling the gunman to the floor amid the chaos. While Grier and Plimpton restrained Sirhan's arms and body, Johnson gripped the assailant's gun hand, wrenched the weapon free after a struggle, and placed it in his pocket to prevent further firing; the contained Kennedy's blood and eight spent cartridges. Johnson later recounted clamping his hand on the weapon and asking Sirhan repeatedly, "Why did you do it?", to which Sirhan responded, "Let me explain." The group held Sirhan until Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived minutes later, at which point Johnson surrendered the revolver to Detective William Weisel. Johnson provided testimony to the grand jury that indicted Sirhan on June 6, 1968, and later at Sirhan's 1969 , where he described the sequence of events and confirmed Sirhan as the shooter. In his 1998 memoir The Best That I Can Be, Johnson reflected on the incident as one of the most devastating experiences of his life, expressing profound grief over Kennedy's death and the personal toll of witnessing the violence up close.

Political and Civic Engagements

Johnson developed a close association with the through his involvement with the , which facilitated his entry into Democratic Party politics. He actively supported Senator Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign, serving as an official delegate and committing significant time to the effort as a volunteer. This engagement reflected his broader alignment with the Democratic Party, where he participated in political activities emphasizing civil rights and social progress. In civic capacities, Johnson held the position of Vice President of Community Affairs at Continental Telephone Service Corporation, focusing on public outreach and service initiatives. He served on the national board for Reebok's human rights awards program, contributing to efforts recognizing global humanitarian achievements. As a longtime Los Angeles resident, Johnson acted as a civic booster, participating in community events and leveraging his prominence to promote local development and volunteerism.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

Rafer Johnson died on December 2, 2020, at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of , , at the age of 86. He was surrounded by family members at the time. Johnson had experienced declining health following a around 2017–2018, which left him with lasting impairments, and his death resulted from complications related to that condition. No other specific medical details or contributing factors were publicly disclosed by his family or representatives.

Awards, Honors, and Long-Term Impact

Johnson received the in 1960, recognizing him as the top amateur athlete in the United States. He was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 1958. Johnson was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1974 and the Black Athletes Hall of Fame. Additional honors include induction into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984 and the in 2009. In 2016, he was awarded the UCLA Medal, the university's highest honor for distinguished achievements. Johnson's long-term impact extended beyond athletics through his foundational role in the , where he served as president, national head coach, and global ambassador starting in 1968, advocating for athletes with intellectual disabilities alongside . His efforts helped establish and expand programs like California Special Olympics, influencing youth sports and inclusion initiatives for generations. As the first African American to light the Olympic cauldron in 1984 and carry the U.S. flag as team captain in , Johnson symbolized barriers broken in sports and civic leadership, inspiring broader participation and representation. His humanitarian work underscored a commitment to service, shaping perceptions of athletic excellence tied to social good.

References

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  50. https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/us/rafer-johnson-obit-spt-intl
  51. https://drmirkin.com/histories-and-mysteries/rafer-johnson-olympic-decathlete-dies-from-stroke.html
  52. https://www.si.com/college/ucla/olympic-sports/rafer-johnson-celebration-of-life-announced
  53. https://athleticsweekly.com/news/decathlon-legend-rafer-johnson-dies-1039937949/
  54. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/rafer-johnson-1960-olympic-decathlon-champion-dies-at-age-86
  55. https://fcoefoundation.org/rafer-johnson-athletics-honoree
  56. https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/rafer-johnson
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