The Best that I Can beRafer Johnson's story is the classic American dream: hard work leading to success, honor, and glory. Here, he openly writes about his humble beginnings in an obscure African American Texas ghetto, his growing up in the all-white, sun-drenched Californian town of Kingsburg, and his time at UCLA as the president of the student body and an acclaimed athlete. His talents brought him to dramatic athletic duels in Moscow, Melbourne, and Rome, and to the glamour of acting, broadcasting, and politics in Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and the rest of the nation. Structured around the ten events of the decathlon, Rafer's memoir vividly describes an exceptional life. It introduces remarkable people, both unknown and celebrated (the Kennedy family; Gloria Steinem; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade; Tom Brokaw; and others), who befriended Rafer and affected his life. It tells of obstacles and tragedies--crippling injuries, an alcoholic father, the assassination of his close friend Robert F. Kennedy--and what it takes to overcome them. With tact, integrity, and acute observation, Rafer Johnson shares the intimate moments that have shaped his life and the lives of others. |
Contents
PREFACE | 7 |
INTRODUCTION BY TOM BROKAW | 12 |
The Starting Blocks | 16 |
Copyright | |
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American Angeles asked athletes basketball Betsy better Bob Mathias Bobby Bobby's brothers California called campus cathlon church competition decathlete decathlon discus Ducky Ethel father feel felt film football friends Games Gloria going gold medal hard high jump high school honor hurdles javelin Jesse Owens Jimmy Kennedy kids Kingsburg knew Kuznetsov later learned live long jump looked loved meet meters Milt Milt Campbell Moscow mother movie never night opening ceremonies pain parents Parry O'Brien Peter Ueberroth play points pole vault president proud race Rafer Johnson remember Rome seemed shotput someone Soviet Special Olympics Sports Illustrated stadium stayed student sure television things thought throw tion told took torch town track and field tried turned UCLA Vasily Kuznetsov walk wanted world record