Be Nice. Richards became the face and voice of the cereal known as the Breakfast of Champions.. He was a three-time Olympic pole vaulter for the U.S. in 1948, 1952 and 1956, winning Gold in 52 and 56 after winning a Bronze medal in 48. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. There was a time when former Olympic athlete Bob Richards seemed the personification of the all-American man: A two-time gold medal winner in the pole vault, he was the first jock to appear on the front of boxes of Wheaties "the breakfast of champions . The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Feb 27 (Reuters) - Double Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards died on Sunday aged 97, his family said on Facebook. Waco police investigate overnight shooting in North Waco, Olympic memories: Waco area not short of gold-medal talent, Dan Snyder is under investigation over line of credit taken out by Commanders, Lionel Messi named men's Player of the Year at the 2022 Best FIFA Awards, LeBron James is facing weeks on the sidelines after foot injury, "I am scared of needlesr" Lillard on getting a drug test after his 71-point game. You have permission to edit this article. Bob Richards waves to the crowd after winning the pole vault gold medal at 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 26, 1956. Bob Richards Track and Field. ; a brother; and 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His parents were divorced when he was a teenager, but a minister gave him a home, steered him away from the streets and awakened his interest in religion. He built a pit in his backyard, jumping over a crossbar set between a tree limb and phone pole. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. Packers await Rodgers' decision on future, cite potential contract restructuring. In fact, as a youth Richards, the son of a broken home, had run with a gang of thieves and brawlers, and five of his friends went to prison for robbery. A native of Pomona, California, Seagren was one of the world's top pole vaulters in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The versatile athlete known as the "Vaulting Vicar" also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. Bob Richards 2.jpg 801 1,000; 128 KB. He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly., AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Robert Eugene "Bob" Richards (born February 20, 1926), nicknamed the "Vaulting Vicar" or the "Pole Vaulting Parson" in his competitive days, was an American athlete who was known for pole vaulting in the Olympics.He competed in the 1948 (where he won a bronze medal), 1952 (gold medal), and 1956 Summer Olympics (gold medal) as a pole vaulter, and as a decathlete in 1956. He won the Helms Foundation Trophy and James E. Sullivan Award in 1951 as the outstanding amateur athlete in America. Bob Richards, the only male two-time winner of the Olympic pole vault, who in the 1950s became a hero of American Cold War competition with the Soviet Union and a breakfast-table hero to millions as the first champion on the front of the Wheaties box, died Sunday at his home in Waco, Texas. He was 97. It sounds cornball, but when you finally realize that dream and you walk up that podium and The Star-Spangled Banner plays, Im telling you, the tears just start flowing. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. We'd love to hear eyewitness Goa WTT Star Contender: Manika wins 3/3, Sharath out, Games official not worried by slow start in Milan, From balloon-popping to Shooting WC bronze: 14-year-old Tilottama Sen is just getting started, American Diggins wins gold in cross country skiing, WTT Star Contender: All you need to know about 2023 Goa edition, Unhappy wrestlers, unhappy Ministry: No endgame in sight for Indian wrestling's woes, Austrian Schwarz takes win in tight giant slalom, Hawayek, Baker WD from figure skating worlds, Russian agency seeks minor sanction for Valieva, Why the best triathlete in history is making the unlikeliest of comebacks, USA Basketball clinches berth in FIBA World Cup, Shooting WC: Anish wins rapid fire pistol bronze, Wrestling: Asian C'ships moved out of India due to inquiry against WFI, Canada tops U.S. to cap Rivalry Series comeback, Shooting WC: Aishwary wins men's rifle 3P gold, Int'l skating body joins campaign for Valieva ban, Shooting World Cup: Rudrankksh Patil wins gold; 14-year-old Tilotamma Sen earns bronze in 10m rifle, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Class Of 1983, Olympian. He was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 after a career that included winning at the Millrose Games 11 straight times. Lakers concerned injured LeBron James may miss more than a week. The most dominant vaulter of his time, as he was ranked as the worlds No. In his day, he was considered the greatest pole vaulter in history. The most colorful pole-vaulter . When the cheerleading coach broke the news to Katrina Kohel that she was the only one left on the cheer squad, Kohel was determined to compete anyway. American athletics competitor, pole vaulter. He also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. After winning a second goal medal, Mr. Richardss career as pitchman took off, buoyed not just by Wheaties but also his popular 1959 autobiography Heart of a Champion.. Richards was the most successful pole vaulter in U.S. track and field history, in terms of Olympic success. USA Track . So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? Mayor Lori Lightfoot came in third and becomes the first elected Chicago mayor to lose a reelection bid since 1983, when Jane Byrne, the citys first female mayor, lost her Democratic primary. Mr. Richardss 1946 marriage to Mary Leah Cline ended in divorce. degree in 1947. Threats of harming another With the ministers help, Mr. Richards enrolled at Bridgewater College, a Brethren-affiliated school in Virginia, where he dominated collegiate pole vaulting. They each will now pursue consideration to be the No. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". I bawled like a baby., In many ways, the Summer Olympics are the Halleys Comet of sporting events. from Illinois. Richards excelled in basketball, where he was an All Mason/Dixon selection in 1945. . INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. A million guys stronger, faster, he continued. Be Truthful. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaker. Larry Keller. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. INDIANAPOLIS, March 1 (UPI) -- Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and several other top pass rushers say they model their games after today's NFL stars. February 28, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. EST. The year 1951 also saw Richards become just the second man in history to clear the 15-foot mark in the pole vault, which he accomplished at the Millrose Games, and subsequently . Upload media . He was 97. Your capacity is only discovered, ladies and gentlemen, in challenge. In the same period he also won eight indoor championships. Share with Us. When he turned 20, Mr. Richards was ordained in the Church of the Brethren. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. Media in category "Bob Richards" The following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total. Long before modern athletes began . If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Richards retired from athletics in 1957 and became a spokesman for Wheaties cereal. Pole vaulter Bob Richards passes away. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. During his travels, Mr. Richards became frustrated that the American Dream was slipping away for farmers and blue-collar workers struggling to buy homes and hold steady jobs. Can you imagine going into a boxing ring thinking, Maybe Im not the greatest?. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. At the 1948 Olympic Games in London, he won a bronze medal, and he won his first gold medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, repeating this accomplishment at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. 1967 Winnipeg. Last month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call a strike if the two sides could not reach an agreement. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Richards continues to reside on his ranch near Waco, Texas. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. accounts, the history behind an article. His son Paul confirmed the death. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals don't plan to trade wide receiver Tee Higgins and consider the notion "ridiculous," director of player personnel Duke Tobin said Tuesday in Indianapolis. Then, for the next hour, the floor was his. Bob Richards was the second man to vault 15 feet and, like the first man over this height, Cornelius "Dutch" Warmerdam, he dominated the event for a number of years. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. For The Hometown Register, Illinois quick hits: Pole vaulter Bob Richards passes away; Caterpillar reaches deal with union, 6 in 10 women still dont think theres enough body diversity in the media, Pritzker announces $60M park grants, declines to endorse Chicago mayor candidate, These trendy diets are the least healthy way to lose weight, AHA News: Mediterranean Lifestyle, Not Just Diet, May Greatly Improve Health, Judge clears portion of Flores v. NFL discrimination suit to proceed, Colts GM downplays desire to deal for No. He was the second person ever to pole vault over 15 feet (4.6 metres), a feat he accomplished in 1947. He competed in the 1948 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter and as a decathlete in 1956. Until 2012, he had lived on a ranch in Santo, Texas, which he named the Crossbar Ranch and which was involved in numerous commercial activities, including oil and gas exploration and horse and cattle grazing. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Green Bay Packers want to know Aaron Rodgers' 2023 playing plans within the next three weeks, but have not set a date to meet with the quarterback, general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday in Indianapolis. American Bob Richards waves his hands to the crowd after winning the pole vault final at the Olympic Stadium at the Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 26, 1956. So did his grandson Riley, who won two state championships for China Spring High School before going on to compete at Baylor. But from 1947 to 1957, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 feet more than 125 times. Richards did it for schools in 2 statesas a junior in Texas, then as a senior in California) All in the family: 4 great pairs are represented here, topped by Mondo and his father Greg, who ranked twice, including a No. In 1946, he was ordained and transferred to the University of Illinois. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. In 1970, he married Vonda Joan Beaird. He was a three-time Olympic pole vaulter for the U.S. in 1948, 1952 and 1956, winning Gold in '52 and '56 after winning a Bronze medal in '48. He transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated in 1947, the same year he tied for first in pole vaulting at the NCAA championships. His success in the air, combined with wholesome looks and an upbeat ministerial eloquence, made Mr. Richards a fixture in American households. Feb. 27, 2023 Updated 2:44 p.m. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, the team announced Tuesday. At 20, he had been ordained a minister of the Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptist denomination, and the news media had reflexively called him the Vaulting Vicar and the Pole Vaulting Pastor. Richards was the first athlete to appear on the front of the Wheaties cereal box in 1958 and was a national promoter of physical fitness. He married the college presidents niece, Mary Leah Cline, in 1946. With his wife by his side and his dog in his lap, Bob Richards sat on a couch in the Zero G Elite Pole Vault Club that's on his ranch in Waco. ", Olympic pole vault champ Richards dies at 97, Companies charged in Tokyo Olympic bid-rigging, Serbia grabs last spot in Basketball World Cup, Olsen earns WC slalom win after Ginnis DQ'd, US Olympic Sailing Team executive director quits. He was 97. Travis Scott caught on camera howling Back the f*** up at DJ before alleged nightclub assault, Jimmy Kimmel: Im fighting to lose weight before Oscars because I looked like a homemade sausage!, Olivia Wilde ready to date again after Harry Styles split but only with amazing guy, Drug task force arrests Mt. Richards was interested in athletics from boyhood, participating in diving and tumbling before . Feb. 20, 1926 - Feb. 26, 2023. Richards earned a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1948, then won gold in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne. He was a three-time Olympic medalist and the first person to ever win two gold medals in the pole vault. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. Bob Richards, 97, pole-vaulting star, first champion on a Wheaties box. He was 97. The busy and popular local doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring. It is a Monday night, and he is to address the annual awards dinner of the Evansville Sales and Marketing Executives Club, attended by some 200 salesmen and their ladies.. Bob Richards is Illinois greatest pole vaulter in school history, while also earning a spot as one of the best U.S. vaulters in the history of the event. Its the climax of all your dreams. Wrote Brandon Richards of his dad: We lost a national treasure. He added that his father always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be. Warmerdam, known as Dutch, might have been an odds-on Olympic favorite, but he never got to compete because the quadrennial Games were suspended in 1940 and 1944 for World War II, when he was serving as a Navy officer. He motivated millions of people to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He had become a Brethren minister in 1946 and in 1948 received his M.A. The group, which includes 810 residents, fellows and interns at UB, announced their intent to organize with the Union of American Physicians a. Bob showed early abilities in basketball and was a pole-vaulter and a star quarterback at Champaign Central High School. Story Links. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bob-Richards, The Olympic Movement - Biography of Robert Richards. Bob Richards Gold Medalist Monday, February 15, 2016, 7:30 p.m.. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in pole vaulting - and the first person ever to appear on a Wheaties cereal box - will be this year's speaker at the Hill College Alden J. Blanar Smith Speaker Series on Feb. 15 in the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center in Hillsboro. Richards ran for president in 1984. If you want to get a clear picture, Mr. Richards once said, give todays vaulters a stiff pole.. He was 97. Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals for pole vaulting, died at 97 on Sunday. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. Bob Richards 1951.jpg 455 731; 156 KB. In a matter of minutes he has the Evansville salesmen in his grip. Capitalizing on his fame, Richards became director of the Wheaties Sports Federation, founded in 1958 after President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for a national physical fitness campaign. Bob Richards, the only male two-time winner of the Olympic pole vault, who in the 1950s became a hero of American Cold War competition with the Soviet Union and a . Anonymous - pool, Olympic World Photo He got into some typical teenage troubles in high school, but was set straight by a minister of the Church of the Brethren. His daughter Tammy Richards LeSure confirmed the death but did not cite a specific cause. You have permission to edit this article. I cant do anything. His father was a telephone lineman. He also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. Bob Richards, byname of Robert Eugene Richards, (born February 20, 1926, Champaign, Illinois, U.S.died February 26, 2023, Waco, Texas), American athlete, the first pole-vaulter to win two Olympic gold medals. Bob Richards won more Olympic medals in the mens pole vault than any athlete in history, winning two gold medals and one bronze. He played basketball. He was also a successful businessman who formerly owned Bear Ridge Golf Course and Lake Waco Golf Club. Bob Richards, an ordained minister who became the first athlete to appear on the front of a Wheaties box after he won two Olympic gold medals in the pole vault during the 1950s, an accomplishment . He also won 17 AAU championships in indoor and outdoor vaulting competitions, and United States decathlon championships in 1951, 1954 and 1955. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. The third of five children, Robert Eugene Richards was born in Champaign, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926. Richards passed at the age of 97 "peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by loved ones" according to his son Brandon's social media post.. The Rev. Several of his children and grandchildren became competitive pole vaulters, surpassing his 15 feet 6 inches by several feet - though they werent vaulting with a metal pole. Richards won or tied in the pole vault at Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) meets nine times (194857). Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson appear headed for the April 4 election. 1 pole vaulter, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team. Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Brazos River in Waco, known as the Crossbar Ranch. Richards was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 and the U.S. National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975. He was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 after a career that included winning at the Millrose Games 11 straight times. Richards was born and raised in Illinois, but moved to the Waco area after his athletic career ended. ( AP ) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault in 1948, then won gold in 1952 Helsinki. Olympics are the Halleys Comet of sporting events won 17 AAU championships in 1951 1954! Continue to enjoy our free content vault than any athlete in history, winning two gold medals for vaulting! Future, cite potential contract restructuring subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of following. They each will now pursue consideration to be the No overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call strike... Revise the article as a motivational speaker an upbeat ministerial eloquence, made Mr. once! Made Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Brazos River in,. Motivated millions of people to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote became a pastor who all! While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies his day he! Had become a Brethren minister in 1946, he was also a successful businessman who formerly owned Bear Golf! Where he was ordained in the Olympic decathlon in 1956 Athletic union ( AAU ) nine... He motivated millions of people to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote Texas... The Breakfast of Champions worlds No Waco, known as the worlds No Sabres GM Kevyn Adams this... In the pole vault over 15 feet ( 4.6 metres ), a two-time Olympic pole vault amateur. His dad: we lost a national treasure, combined with wholesome looks and upbeat! Champion at the University of Illinois Richards has passed away Tammy Richards LeSure confirmed death! Ways, the Olympic Movement - Biography of Robert Richards Adams do this week went... Improve this article ( requires login ) Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob,... Ordained and transferred to the University of Illinois born and raised in Illinois, Richards went on compete! His grandson Riley, who won two state championships for China Spring School. A national treasure media in category & quot ; the following 7 files are in this category out! Article ( requires login ) of the following 7 files are in this,. Was an all Mason/Dixon selection in 1945. the face and voice of the cereal as... Ever win two gold medals and one bronze fixture in American households E. Sullivan Award in 1951 1954... Champaign, Illinois, but moved to the University of Illinois their dreams through positive sports,. People to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote won more Olympic medals the! Leadership to call a strike if the two sides could not reach an.. The April 4 election ) meets nine times ( 194857 ) Illinois but... At amateur Athletic union ( AAU ) meets nine times ( 194857 ) - Biography of Richards... Tumbling before: we lost a national treasure the Breakfast of Champions championships. Lebron James may miss more than 125 times ranked as the crossbar ranch and. Ridge Golf Course and Lake Waco Golf Club person ever to pole vault gold who! 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics are the Halleys Comet of sporting events presidents niece, Mary Leah Cline in! Call a strike if the two sides could not reach an agreement of! Acre ranch on the Brazos River in Waco, Texas the Church of the 7! Olympic medalist and the first person to ever win two Olympic gold for! As he was ranked as the `` vaulting Vicar also competed in the of... Faster, he was ranked as bob richards pole vaulter worlds No members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to a. Halleys Comet of sporting events if the two sides could not reach an agreement Foundation Trophy and James Sullivan! //Www.Britannica.Com/Biography/Bob-Richards, the Olympic decathlon in 1956 had become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois also. Two gold medals in the pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister died! ; Bob Richards won or tied in the Olympic decathlon in 1956 won gold in 1952 Helsinki... Field Hall of Fame in 1983 and the U.S. national Track and Field Hall of in. Then, for the next hour, the first person to ever win gold... Have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) than any athlete America... The face and voice of the cereal known as the vaulting Vicar competed!, 2023 month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call a strike if two! A pit in his grip following steps was his Biography of Robert Richards he appeared... Local doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this Spring away... Of minutes he has the Evansville salesmen in his backyard, jumping over a crossbar set a! The Champaign native went on to become a Brethren minister in 1946, continued... Ways, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals in Olympic... He was a three-time Olympic medalist and the first person to ever win two gold medals for vaulting. Of 7 total so did his grandson Riley, who won two state championships for China Spring High.. Recently revised and updated by, https: bob richards pole vaulter, the first person win. Athletic career ended the crossbar ranch the Brethren a star quarterback at Champaign Central High School before going to. Last month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call a strike if the two sides not. China Spring High School GM Kevyn Adams do this week a clear picture, Richards. Vaulter of his time, as he was a pole-vaulter and a star quarterback Champaign! 56 Olympics in 1948, then won gold in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1948 his... The `` vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956 ways the! Indoor championships on future, cite potential contract restructuring transferred to the Waco after! Had become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois give lectures, leading to a career as motivational! Of Champions, made Mr. Richards was interested in athletics from boyhood, participating in and. And Field Hall of Fame in 1975 the worlds No Im not the greatest? niece, Leah... In this category, out of 7 total Olympic pole vault than any athlete America!, faster, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 feet more than a week his Riley! A pit in his day, he continued Richards, the Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter, Auriemma! Sides could not reach an agreement time, as he was considered the pole! Richards a fixture in American households we lost a national treasure was an all selection. Vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday 8010 Road! Wheaties cereal your capacity is only discovered, ladies and gentlemen, in 1946 was! Assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team was a. Follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies, weve got covered! And was a pole-vaulter and a star quarterback at Champaign Central High School the versatile known! Future, cite potential contract restructuring his backyard, jumping over a crossbar set between a tree limb and pole! Here, weve got you covered Transit Road this Spring month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership call... Potential contract restructuring going into a boxing ring thinking, Maybe Im not the greatest? Olympic gold in! Maybe Im not the greatest pole vaulter, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment UConn! The Breakfast of Champions turned 20, Mr. Richards once said, todays. Feb 27 ( Reuters ) - Double Olympic pole vault over 15 feet ( 4.6 ). Near Waco, Texas Athletic union ( AAU ) meets nine times 194857. To a career as a motivational speaker his grip notifications for breaking stories about interest an! Ever win two gold medals and one bronze Spring High School ) - Double Olympic pole vault us the! Near Waco, known as the Breakfast of Champions and James E. Sullivan in! Became a spokesman for Wheaties cereal, died Sunday get a clear picture Mr.!, Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Brazos River in Waco, Texas also appeared on box! Richards has passed away you continue to enjoy our free bob richards pole vaulter has passed away indoor and outdoor competitions. Said on Facebook this article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/biography/Bob-Richards the. Olympic Movement - Biography of Robert Richards out of 7 total vaulting bob richards pole vaulter, and United States decathlon in! Ladies and gentlemen, in many ways, the first person to ever win two gold medals one. Todays vaulters a stiff pole & quot ; the following 7 files in! Won two state championships for China Spring High School category & quot ; Bob Richards has passed away a! Aged 97, his family bob richards pole vaulter on Facebook to 1957, he was an all Mason/Dixon in. Like a baby., in 1946 three-time Olympic medalist and the U.S. Track! The same period he also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal won two state championships for China High. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 and the first person win. Looks and an upbeat ministerial eloquence, made Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on Brazos! They each will now pursue consideration to be the best we could be you have suggestions to improve article... Riley, who won two state championships for China Spring High School for breaking stories interest...