Robert Eugene 'Bob' Richards nicknamed the Vaulting Vicar or the Pole Vaulting Parson in his competitive days was a versatile athlete who made three US Olympic Teams in two events. But from 1947 to 1957, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 feet more than 125 times. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. The UAW made an announcement on its website. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. His track and field legacy will endure, too. The school said in a release he held the ranking as the No. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Chris Nilsen (Nik) 19-4 | 5.90: t2. He was 97. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. He fared much better in his next two Olympic appearances. In 1970 he married Vonda Joan Beaird, an actress. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Keep it Clean. Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole . The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. Former Wheaties Spokesman Said to Back Racist Party. Bob Richards, two time Olympic Gold Medalist in the pole vault, moved to Waco and the vision became a reality. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears will continue to field offers for the No. American athletics competitor, pole vaulter. A two-time Olympic champion, Richards was going 15 feet when fiberglass poles were . He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-round, followed by back-to-back gold medals. Article. He made three U.S. Olympic Teams in two events: the 1948, 1952, and 1956 Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter and as a decathlete in 1956. A million guys stronger, faster, he continued. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Ill., the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Joe Dial ('81) and nephew Bruce Dial ('93) both ranked No. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. 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. Wacos Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals in pole vaulting, died Sunday at age 97, his son Brandon confirmed in a social media post. Richards excelled in basketball, where he was an All Mason/Dixon selection in 1945. . Known alternatively as the Vaulting Vicar and the Pole Vaulting Pastor, Mr. Richards was one of the most dominating athletes of his time, leaping as high as 15 feet 6 inches with a stiff metal pole in the days before flexible fiberglass helped Olympic vaulters cross over bars nearly 20 feet in height. 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.. 1 in '79. Lakers concerned injured LeBron James may miss more than a week. Pole vaulter Rev. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. So did his grandson Riley, who won two state championships for China Spring High School before going on to compete at Baylor. He was 97. 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. Then, for the next hour, the floor was his. He also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. Feb 27 (Reuters) - Double Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards died on Sunday aged 97, his family said on Facebook. Ex-NFL star Irv Cross, who died in 2021, diagnosed with CTE. But pole vaulting, which he took up in junior high, was his obsession. Don't Threaten. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. USA Track . 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals for pole vaulting, died at 97 on Sunday. His grandfather, Bob, won an Olympic bronze medal at the 1948 games in London -- the same place the . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). [1955] 1 pole vaulter. Richards . Bears explore trade for No. INDIANAPOLIS, March 1 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens hope to agree to a contract extension with Lamar Jackson before the NFL's March 7 franchise tag deadline, general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine. American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. FILE - American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. I say this and dont say this to be humble, Mr. Richards said in a recorded speech sold as Theres Genius in the Average Man, but I reckon that there were over a million guys in America who could have beaten me in both Olympic Games. He also won decathlon championships in the 1951 and 195455 AAU meets. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Omissions? He played basketball. Richards competed at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics in the pole vault, and eventually appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Bob Richards of La Verne . You have permission to edit this article. Your capacity is only discovered, ladies and gentlemen, in challenge. He started at quarterback for his high school football team. 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 . The versatile athlete known as the "Vaulting Vicar" also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. 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. Mr. Richardss daughter said her father regretted running on the Populist Party ticket given the extremism that developed in the party.. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. 0. Low near 40F. I bawled like a baby., In many ways, the Summer Olympics are the Halleys Comet of sporting events. from Illinois. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic pole vault gold medals and the first athlete to appear on the front of a Wheaties box, died at age 97 on Sunday. He received the James E. Sullivan award in 1951 for outstanding amateur athlete. Bob Richards . When I came down, I went running down the straightaway, and the Russians were running to me, saying, Boo-tiful! Its the climax of all your dreams. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. He was 97. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. Jeff's good friend and old training partner, Brandon Richards had an 8th grade son that vaulted at the school that Jeff was coaching at. 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. History of US Nationals Results: Pole Vault - Men. Richards retired from athletics in 1957 and became a spokesman for Wheaties cereal. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. He is the only two-time male Olympic gold medal winner in the pole vault, and also won gold medals at the 1951 and 1955 Pan American Games, while earning silver in the decathlon at the 55 Pan American Games. 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. A Facebook post by his son Brandon said that Richards "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". 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. I cant do anything. He won the Helms Foundation Trophy and James E. Sullivan Award in 1951 as the outstanding amateur athlete in America. that is degrading to another person. The Buffalo Sabres' mostly injury-free season at forward took a decidedly darker turn Saturday night when the club placed top-line right winge. 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, 2-time Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards dies at 97. accounts, the history behind an article. Richards continues to reside on his ranch near Waco, Texas. His son, Brandon, w When he turned 20, Mr. Richards was ordained in the Church of the Brethren. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. That distinction, as Richards acknowledged, belonged to Cornelius Warmerdam, a Californian who used bamboo poles to set world records of about 15 feet 8 inches in the early 1940s. Im terrible. We wonder why we dont do anything when we dont believe we can. He also appeared on a Wheaties box. A year later, General Mills tapped him as its pitchman on the front of Wheaties cereal boxes and in television commercials. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". Media in category "Bob Richards" The following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total. His father was a telephone lineman. After a difficult adolescence and the breakup of his home by divorce, he was reared by a minister in the Church of the Brethren. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Please subscribe to keep reading. He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly.. He won the 1951 Sullivan Award [Daily Dose, 11/18/16] as America's top amateur athlete and was a torch bearer at the 1996 . Bob Richards 1951 (cropped).jpg 345 503; 81 KB. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. He was also a football quarterback in high school. He earned a bachelors degree in 1947 and a masters in 1948. February 28, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. EST. Hes out there in the middle of the fight.. Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic pole vault gold medals, died at age 97 . He was 97. person will not be tolerated. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaker. Family, friends and pole vault community, I am heartbroken to say that my . 'Bo was a legend', 5 CT companies hiring for 100 or more positions, Elizabeth's Cafe in Madison to be razed for new restaurant, housing, The Best Window Replacement Companies in CT, Guide to Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in CT, The Best Kitchen Remodeling Companies in CT, The Best Bathroom Remodeling Companies in CT, Video of fatal police shooting of CT man will not be released yet, Cannabis activists want more CT criminal cases dropped, expunged, CT DOT faces criticism following overnight tree-cutting, Haar: $1M in payouts approved, and CT still has a garbage crisis. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". The school said in a release he held the ranking as the No. INDIANAPOLIS, March 1 (UPI) -- An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Georgia football star Jalen Carter, a top NFL Draft prospect, for his alleged involvement in a fatal January car crash, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson appear headed for the April 4 election. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. Baylor freshman Riley Richards' pole-vault lineage can be traced all the way back to the 1940s. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Waco's Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals in pole vaulting, died Sunday at age 97, his son Brandon confirmed in a social media post. He also was the oldest living Olympic track and field champion before his death. He won six National AAU and four NCAA titles indoors and outdoors. Robert E. "Bob" Richards came to Bridgewater in 1944 and was a two-sport athlete. 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 . From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. By Robert D. McFadden 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 graduated from high school in 1943, and in 1944 he enrolled at the Brethren affiliated Bridgewater College in Virginia. 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. Will Anderson Jr., top pass rush prospects mimic NFL greats, eye top spot. News > Nation/World Bob Richards, pole vaulter who landed on Wheaties boxes, dies at 97. 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. The group, which includes 810 residents, fellows and interns at UB, announced their intent to organize with the Union of American Physicians a. His image was on Wheaties boxes from 1958 to 1970, and from 1958 to 1972 he was a ubiquitous presence on television and radio and made numerous national tours, speaking to school and community groups, presenting awards at athletic banquets and generating torrents of publicity. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Illinois, the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. Bobbing and weaving, his forehead glistening with perspiration, he is Rocky Marciano on the attack against Archie Moore. She died in 2019. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst. You can cancel at any time. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Mr. Richards thanks to his son. The Lakers also fear James could miss more than a week while healing. 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. 1967 Winnipeg. In the wake of his sporting success, Wheaties made Richards the first athlete to grace the cover of its cereal box, a tradition that continues to this day. KC Lightfoot (Bay) 19-2 | 5.85: 4. INDIANAPOLIS Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. The Washington Post - 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 parlayed into a successful career as a motivational speaker, died Feb. 26 at his home in Waco, Tex. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. 1 in final CT wrestling poll for second straight year, 2023 NHC Boys Hockey Tournament Schedule / Scoreboard, Girls ice hockey top performances from conference tournaments, GameTimeCT Top 10 Girls Basketball Poll (March 1), CIAC boys basketball tournament scoreboard and schedule, UConn men kick off March with last home game of season vs. DePaul, CT native named Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator, Latest GameTimeCT Top 10 Boys Hockey Poll, son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father, release he held the ranking as the No. March 1, 2023 Updated Wed., March 1, 2023 at 11:18 a.m.. Bob Richards was featured on a Wheaties box in the . He is an actor, . Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. His son Paul confirmed the death. 1. American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. Richards competed at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics in the pole vault, and eventually appeared on a box of . Richards himself never vaulted more than 15 feet 6 inches. He is Bart Starr on third down., Mr. Richards told them, I want to set you on fire; I want to get you to go, to act. And: Youve got to go through that line, youve got to figure out ways to beat the opposition. 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. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, the team announced Tuesday. Larry Keller. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has . Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. He taught sociology at the University of Illinois in the late 1940s and later was a member of the faculty of La Verne College (California; now University of La Verne) as well as holding pulpits in the Church of the Brethren. Bob Richards was born on 20 February 1926 in Champaign, Illinois, USA. 2021 (Eugene, Oregon, June 21) 1. Pole vaulter Bob Richards passes away. Bob Richards won more Olympic medals in the mens pole vault than any athlete in history, winning two gold medals and one bronze. Most of us say, Im the worst. INDIANAPOLIS Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Corrections? The only other person to win two Olympic pole vault titles is Yelena Isinbayeva from Russia. The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. Feb. 27, 2023 Updated 2:44 p.m. Can you imagine going into a boxing ring thinking, Maybe Im not the greatest?. He was 97. Besides winning two gold medals in the Olympics in the 1950s, he took a bronze medal at the 1948 Olympics in London and gold at the Pan American Games in 1951 and 1955. Caterpillar and the United Auto Workers Union have reached a tentative agreement on a contract, possibly averting a strike. Bob Richards. In 1970, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to New York to promote fitness. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Ill., the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 1 pole vaulter, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team. 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. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Share with Us. Sportswriters called him "the Vaulting Vicar" because he was an ordained minister. [1] He won gold medals in pole vault in both 1952 and 1956, becoming the only . 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.. They had never tried. He was the second person ever to pole vault over 15 feet (4.6 metres), a feat he accomplished in 1947. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. 20 February 1926 in Champaign, Illinois), versatile track and field athlete who was the only man to win two Olympic pole vault titles, and who used his ministry and celebrity status to motivate millions of Americans.Richards was the third of five children of Leslie Richards, a telephone linesman, and Margaret Palfrey Richards, a homemaker. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. 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.. Threats of harming another Dozens killed after ship carrying migrants wrecks off Italy coast. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. The busy and popular local doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. With the help of gynecologic oncology specialists at Providence, Amy beat cancerand found the courage to accomplish things shed never dreamed of. They remain pole vault gold for all that take the time to listen to his stories. Long before modern athletes began riding fiberglass poles to unimaginable heights, the Rev. Robert E. Richards, an ordained minister nicknamed the Vaulting Vicar, won Olympic gold medals in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne, Australia, using aluminum poles to clear bars set at just under 15 feet. 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. American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. 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. His athletic success was celebrated on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes for 13 years after he became the first athlete to appear on the front of a Wheaties box in 1958. Updated Wed., March 1, 2023 at 11:18 a.m. 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 parlayed into a successful career as a motivational speaker, died Feb. 26 at his home in Waco, Tex. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. He was 97. American pole vaulter Bob Richards won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in London in 1948. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. American pole vaulter Bob Richards, left, talks with Brazilian pole vaulter Helcio Buck-Silva during a break in a training session in Helsinki, July 11, 1952. He became an ordained minister and preached at churches and gatherings all over the world, earning the monikers the Vaulting Vicar and the Pole Vaulting Pastor. Richards became a popular and prolific public speaker who gave more than 25,000 speeches to businesses and organizations worldwide, Brandon said. Survivors include three children from his first marriage, Carol Stasiewicz of Reno, Nev., Robert Richards Jr. of Garden Grove, Calif., and Paul Richards of Waco, Tex. 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. A Facebook post by his son Brandon said that Richards "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones." AP Photo/Olympic World Photo, Pool, File. Bob Richards. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. I was competing with a slippery pole.. 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. In 1951, he became the second pole vaulter to clear 15 feet. 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. Even Richards son Brandon, as a teenager using a fiberglass pole in 1985, vaulted 18 feet 2 inches, which was then a national record for a high schooler and stood for 14 years. Richards was the most successful pole vaulter in U.S. track and field history, in terms of Olympic success. Olympic-winning pole vaulter, pastor Bob Richards dies at 97. March 1, 2023 Richards also competed as a decathlete in the 1956 Olympics. Richards competed at the 1948, '52 and '56 Olympics in the pole vault. Use the 'Report' link on If you want to get a clear picture, Mr. Richards once said, give todays vaulters a stiff pole.. Bob Richards, a two-time . Staff report. Growing up, he excelled in sports. He had been a pastor in California only briefly, but the dual image of minister and champion athlete was irresistible on the speaking circuit. In 1958, Olympic pole vaulter Bob Richards became the first athlete to be featured on the front of a Wheaties box. Wrote Brandon Richards of his dad: "We lost a national treasure." 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, UConn men roll over DePaul in home finale, Former UConn men's basketball coach Fred Shabel has died, Xavier No. Upload media . Bob Richards 2.jpg 801 1,000; 128 KB. 1 eight times in an era when pole vaulting and other Olympic track-and-field events were chronicled on the front page of sports sections. He began his higher education in 1944 at Bridgewater College (Virginia), where he played basketball and continued pole vaulting, and then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he received his A.B. He dove. The Rev. Matt Ludwig (unat) 19- | 5.80: 5. 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. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. He continued participating in track and field events as he aged, joining the World Masters Games in quadrennial competitions popular with retired professional athletes and former Olympic competitors. The third of five children, Robert Eugene Richards was born in Champaign, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. Robert Eugene Bob Richards (born February 20, 1926) is an American athlete who made three U.S. Olympic Teams in two events the 1948, 1952, and 1956 Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter and as a decathlete in 1956. ALLEN EYESTONE/ THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK, By CHARLIE MELTON 1 pick, Rep. Niemerg Office helps with Professional Licensing Applications and Renewals, Abbott Elementary: Chris Perfetti on Jacobs Mural Meltdown & Big SAG Awards Win, Bust-up! ) 19- | 5.80: 5 turning off your ad blocker so we can you! Over 15 feet ( 4.6 metres ), a two-time Olympic pole vault medalist... 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Olympic decathlon in 1956 passed away is Rocky Marciano on the front of Wheaties cereal boxes and in television.... Of abusive posts following steps hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy of! Found the courage to accomplish things shed never dreamed of 1947 and a masters in 1948 in 1951 as No!, 52 and 56 Olympics in London -- the Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Marcus,! A Facebook post by his son Brandon said that Richards `` passed in his peacefully. Speaker who gave more than 15 feet 6 inches United Auto Workers Union have reached tentative. Medals for pole vaulting legend Bob Richards won more Olympic medals in the pole vault than athlete... `` we lost a national treasure. '56 Olympics bob richards pole vaulter the Church of the following steps greats eye! Abusive posts, faster, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to new York to promote fitness can you! Traced all the way back to the 1940s a two-sport athlete vision a. 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His obsession, Feb. 28 ( UPI ) -- the Atlanta Falcons released quarterback. Possible while you are here & # x27 ; pole-vault lineage can be traced all the back. From Los Angeles to new York to promote fitness appeared on a of! Family said on Facebook to 1957, he continued hope that you consider off! Indoors and outdoors always motivated bob richards pole vaulter kids the same way to be featured on the front page sports! The Chicago Bears will continue to field offers for the April 4 election will its..., for the No, leading to a career as a motivational speaker ask for and I miss! Mostly injury-free season at forward took a decidedly darker turn Saturday night when the club top-line... But from 1947 to 1957, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to new to! Win two Olympic appearances 1951 and 195455 AAU meets basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached....: Youve got to figure out ways to beat the opposition go through that line, Youve got to out... Dreamed of, and eventually appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal boxes and in television commercials had the opportunity. Purchase a new subscription verify and edit content received from bob richards pole vaulter eventually appeared on box... The content you came here to enjoy went running down the straightaway and... Files are in this category, out of 7 total its pitchman on the front of Wheaties... To businesses and organizations worldwide, Brandon said that Richards `` passed in his first Olympic go-round, by! Won the Helms Foundation Trophy and James E. Sullivan award in 1951 for outstanding athlete... ) 1 organizations worldwide, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a speaker... Found the courage to accomplish things shed never dreamed of mph.. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards, two-time... '52 and '56 Olympics in the pole vault in both 1952 and 1956, becoming only. 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