Rafer Johnson, the American decathlete, was born on August 18, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas. He is best known for his remarkable career in track and field, particularly for his performances in the decathlon. Johnson won a gold medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics, narrowly defeating his rival, Wilma “Bill” May of the Soviet Union. His rivalry with fellow decathlete, the legendary Bob Mathias, is one of the highlights of his career. Johnson is considered one of the greatest decathletes in history.
In addition to his athletic success, he was also involved in acting and was a prominent figure in various humanitarian efforts.
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