Rafer Johnson Forum

Rafer Johnson, who ended his famed track and field career with an exciting win in the 1960 Olympic decathlon, died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to UCLA and USA Track & Field.

He was 86. No cause of death was given.  he died at his Sherman Oaks, California, home surrounded by family.

Johnson's win in Rome in 1960 was one of the most memorable finishes to a decathlon in Olympic history. In a battle with C.K. Yang of Taiwan -- Johnson's UCLA teammate, friend, and training partner -- the American held a slim lead going into the 1,500-meter run, the final event.

The two men were in the same heat, and despite the fact that it was Yang's best event, Johnson stayed close enough to win the decathlon by just 58 points.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafer_Johnson