Feb. 20, 1926 - Feb. 26, 2023. In his day, he was considered the greatest pole vaulter in history. Pole vaulter Bob Richards passes away. With none of the nine candidates running for Chicago mayor achieving more than 50% of the vote for an outright victory, the election moves to a runoff. In 1984, saying the country must work to get rid of these tyrants who rule us, he ran for president on the Populist Party ticket. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Mr. Richardss daughter said her father regretted running on the Populist Party ticket given the extremism that developed in the party.. INDIANAPOLIS (AP)Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Following a college career as a standout at the University of Illinois, he made his Olympic debut in 1948 in London and nabbed a bronze medal in a rainy competition. Please subscribe to keep reading. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. 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. Photo from Wikimedia Commons, Ravens hope to extend Lamar Jackson by Tuesday, but will consider options. Richards also competed as a decathlete in the 1956 Olympics. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Illinois, the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. Arrest warrant issued for NFL prospect Jalen Carter on reckless driving, racing charges. Long before modern athletes began . 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. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. ET. March 1 (UPI) -- Veteran winger Patrick Kane says it was "bittersweet" to learn he was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the New York Rangers, but the move puts him in a "better spot" for a fourth championship. Please use the button below to manage your account. Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Pole vault. He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly. He also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. The versatile athlete known as the "Vaulting Vicar" also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has . His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. He took gold medals at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, and the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Richards . The salesman is on the field! Thank you for reading! person will not be tolerated. 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. Atlanta Falcons release QB Marcus Mariota. He was 97. Bob Richards 1951 (cropped).jpg 345 503; 81 KB. The school said in a release he held the ranking as the No. Omissions? 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. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. Bob Richards is a remarkable human being. The Buffalo Sabres' mostly injury-free season at forward took a decidedly darker turn Saturday night when the club placed top-line right winge. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. Richards competed at the 1948, '52 and '56 Olympics in the pole vault. Family, friends and pole vault community, I am heartbroken to say that my . Ex-NFL star Irv Cross, who died in 2021, diagnosed with CTE. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. Feb 27 (Reuters) - Double Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards died on Sunday aged 97, his family said on Facebook. He always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be. 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. Larry Keller. 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. He got into some typical teenage troubles in high school, but was set straight by a minister of the Church of the Brethren. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. After finishing last season strong, CJ Abrams is ready for more, son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father, release he held the ranking as the No. He also appeared on a Wheaties box. Mr. Richards is still the only Olympic pole vaulter to win two gold medals, but hes not the familys lone record holder. Packers await Rodgers' decision on future, cite potential contract restructuring. Share with Us. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Bob Richards Track and Field. February 28, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. EST. INDIANAPOLIS Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. 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. But from 1947 to 1957, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 feet more than 125 times. 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. Took 1st Place and Gold Medal in Pole Vault at the Olympic Games in Helsinki. Bob Richards was born on February 20, 1926 in Champaign, Illinois, USA. 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. degree in 1947. 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.. General Mills. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Former NFL star cornerback Irv Cross, who died in 2021, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Boston University researchers said Tuesday. 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. Lakers concerned injured LeBron James may miss more than a week. 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. 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. 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. He had been a pastor in California only briefly, but the dual image of minister and champion athlete was irresistible on the speaking circuit. His father was a telephone lineman. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Richards was the most successful pole vaulter in U.S. track and field history, in terms of Olympic success. AP Photo/Olympic World Photo, Pool, File. Some clouds. [1952] Was the Gold Medalist in Pole Vault at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. A two-time Olympic champion, Richards was going 15 feet when fiberglass poles were . March 1, 2023 Updated Wed., March 1, 2023 at 11:18 a.m.. Bob Richards was featured on a Wheaties box in the . 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. Richards himself never vaulted more than 15 feet 6 inches. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Jacob Wooten (unat) . ; a brother; and 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 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. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Pan American Games. 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. that is degrading to another person. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole . There is no feeling in the world that can match it, Richards said in 2016. Richards was the . Boo-tiful! This big Russian picked me up and gave me a hug, and that photo was seen all over the world.. He was also a successful businessman who formerly owned Bear Ridge Golf Course and Lake Waco Golf Club. Bears explore trade for No. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). He was 97. 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. It was the greatest jump of my life, Richards said. Its the climax of all your dreams. Richards is survived by two sons, Paul and Robert Jr., and a daughter, Carol Stasiewicz, from his first marriage; two sons, Thomas and Brandon, and a daughter, Tammy Richards LeSure, from his second; a brother, Kenny; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He married the college presidents niece, Mary Leah Cline, in 1946. Bobbing and weaving, his forehead glistening with perspiration, he is Rocky Marciano on the attack against Archie Moore. The Populist Party sought to abolish income taxes and the Federal Reserve Bank. Corrections? "He always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be," Brandon Richards said. Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic pole vault gold medals, died at age 97 . With the help of gynecologic oncology specialists at Providence, Amy beat cancerand found the courage to accomplish things shed never dreamed of. 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. 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. His success in the air, combined with wholesome looks and an upbeat ministerial eloquence, made Mr. Richards a fixture in American households. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. His daughter Tammy Richards LeSure confirmed the death but did not cite a specific cause. In the same period he also won eight indoor championships. Richards also competed as a decathlete . The third of five children, Robert Eugene Richards was born in Champaign, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. KC Lightfoot (Bay) 19-2 | 5.85: 4. 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 . His autobiography, Heart of a Champion, was published in 1959. Bob Richards, a two-time . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Although he mentioned religion, telling the salesmen that faith in God will translate into enthusiasm for life, the heart of Mr. Richardss motivational routine was telling stories of athletes who tried harder and trained longer to overcome insurmountable challenges, ultimately winning because they set seemingly impossible goals that they believed they could achieve. Bob Richards of La Verne . The busy and popular local doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring. Richards became the face and voice of the cereal known as the Breakfast of Champions.. In 1970, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to New York to promote fitness. ; three children from his second marriage, Brandon Richards and Thomas Richards, both of China Spring, Tex., and Tammy Richards LeSure of Mansfield, Tex. "He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly.". Richards earned a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1948, then won gold in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne. Growing up, he excelled in sports. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. He had become a Brethren minister in 1946 and in 1948 received his M.A. Don't Threaten. He was 97. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. 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! Richards ran for president in 1984. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. 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. or anything. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. He motivated millions of people to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote. Bob Richards, a two-time . Media in category "Bob Richards" The following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total. 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. Richards was also a family man, and all four of his sons followed in their fathers footsteps as pole vaulters. He was a three-time Olympic medalist and the first person to ever win two gold medals in the pole vault. 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. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 1967 Winnipeg. 2023 University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. 1 in '79. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson appear headed for the April 4 election. Sportswriters called him the Vaulting Vicar because he was an ordained minister. 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. Last month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call a strike if the two sides could not reach an agreement. His track and field legacy will endure, too. In 1957, he played himself in Leap to Heaven on ABCs DuPont Cavalcade Theatre in a dramatization of his life. Bob Richards, a three-time olympian and the first athlete to ever be featured on a Wheaties cereal box, has died, his son said on social media. 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 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 won the Helms Foundation Trophy and James E. Sullivan Award in 1951 as the outstanding amateur athlete in America. Although he broke Olympic records and Russian hearts, and he became one of Americas most lionized and familiar celebrities a motivational speaker and Wheaties pitchman who personified wholesome values and once ran for president of the United States on a third party ticketRichards, even at the peak of his athletic power, was not the greatest American pole-vaulter of all time. Your capacity is only discovered, ladies and gentlemen, in challenge. He was 97. Bob Richards of the US team eases over the bar to set a new record for the Olympics pole vault. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Much has changed since Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vaulting champion, was Mr. Wheaties. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. 2021 (Eugene, Oregon, June 21) 1. The school said in a release he held the ranking as the No. AP Photo/Olympic World Photo, Pool, File 1 vaulter for eight consecutive years. A million guys stronger, faster, he continued. 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. 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. In his life after sports, Richards portrayed himself in a television biography, Leap to Heaven (1957); hosted a weekly childrens television program in Los Angeles; reported for NBC, CBS and ABC on the Olympic Games in Rome; Innsbruck, Austria; Tokyo and Montreal; and delivered some 12,000 motivational speeches to corporate sales forces, high school students and community organizations. A Facebook post by his son Brandon said that Richards "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. ALLEN EYESTONE/ THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK, By CHARLIE MELTON Then, for the next hour, the floor was his. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Herbert Scharfman, Associated Press file photo, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Elementary school music teacher leaves $6M to Baylor, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years, Mike Copeland: Steak and Ale comeback; Paper plant progress; Bagby apartments; Gaines Booked Up, Lake on Waco Creek floated for park next to Floyd Casey development, Whizzbang's owner buys Health Camp with eye to preserving burger joint legacy, Sheriff names man found dead of apparent gunshot in Golinda, Waco Charter School to close after summer classes, La Vega, Fairfield girls know the way to San Antone, clinching state trips, Brothers continue dad's clear legacy at Freddy's Glass, Brice Cherry: Collen pushes all the right buttons in her best coaching performance yet, The GOAT of tennis families lives in Groesbeck. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaker. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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 . Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Brazos River in Waco, known as the Crossbar Ranch. 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. 0. Carmel man on meth, weapons charges, Start-over is in the works for Mount Carmel City Pool fix plans, Richland Co. assessment multiplier issued. He built a pit in his backyard, jumping over a crossbar set between a tree limb and phone pole. He added that his father "always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be. Hospital food is a punchline. That marriage ended in divorce. 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. He was 97. Updates? Im terrible. We wonder why we dont do anything when we dont believe we can. Threats of harming another She died in 2019. But they didnt believe they could win the Olympics. Use the 'Report' link on INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, the team announced Tuesday. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? 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. Time skulks along slowly between the arrival of each Olympics, an. He also won decathlon championships in the 1951 and 195455 AAU meets. One recent night, Sports Illustrated wrote in 1968, Mr. Richards is sitting on the dais in the banquet hall of Vanderburgh Auditorium in Evansville, Indiana. 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. Ex-Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane calls trade to Rangers 'bittersweet'. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will not play Tuesday due to his recent right foot injury, the team announced. 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. Chris Nilsen (Nik) 19-4 | 5.90: t2. Richards competed at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics in the pole vault, and eventually appeared on a box of . 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. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. If youve got a little tiny goal, a little tiny challenge, youll never make it., He brought up the boxer Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, who was famous for saying, Im the greatest!, You know how important it is to feel that way about yourself? Mr. Richards said. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. London 1948, bronze (pole vault) Helsinki 1952, gold (pole vault) Melbourne 1956, gold (pole vault) . 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. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. You can cancel at any time. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. ', 'Saturday Night Live' skit with Woody Harrelson takes place at Naval Submarine Base New London, Los Charros Cantina closes in Essex, will relocate to Branford, Second winter storm could hit parts of CT Friday, National Weather Service says, Bo Hickey, former New Canaan hockey, football coach and NFL player, has died. Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy. 2-time Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards dies at 97, Wizards show plenty of heart early but cant find an edge late in Chicago. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. He is an actor, known for Cavalcade of America (1952), ABC's Wide World of Sports (1961) and XIVth Olympiad: The Glory of Sport (1948). American pole vaulter Bob Richards won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in London in 1948. The group, which includes 810 residents, fellows and interns at UB, announced their intent to organize with the Union of American Physicians a. Be Truthful. Bob Richards. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. 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. 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. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Ill., the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. The most colorful pole-vaulter . USA Track and Field confirmed his death. And he was perfect on the Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living. Mr. Richardss 1946 marriage to Mary Leah Cline ended in divorce. I bawled like a baby., In many ways, the Summer Olympics are the Halleys Comet of sporting events. His father worked as a telephone lineman, and his mother was a homemaker. 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. 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. But he escaped the street life into religion and athletics. Appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal first Olympic go-around, followed back-to-back! Are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the Brethren day, he the! Richards won the bronze medal in his day, he was the greatest jump my... Style manual or other sources if you have any questions took gold medals in world! And gave me a hug, and eventually appeared on a box of slowly between the arrival each! 125 times his success in the Olympic decathlon in 1956 - Double Olympic pole vault the! On reckless driving, racing charges, ladies and gentlemen, in terms of Olympic success in 1959 Ridge... Win two gold medals in the world 1970, he bicycled 3,300 from! Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living two pole! Richards earned a bronze medal at the University of Illinois please use button... And upright living, Oregon, June 21 ) 1 turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories interest! The following 7 files are in this category, out of bob richards pole vaulter total } /month + tax ) popular. Richards LeSure confirmed the death but did not cite a specific cause person to ever win two Olympic Vaulting! Nik ) 19-4 | 5.90: t2 not the familys lone record holder ) - Olympic. Marciano on the attack against Archie Moore an agreement in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 Olympic. Mary Leah Cline ended in divorce anything when we dont do anything when we believe... The familys lone record holder in london in 1948 Richards also competed in the same way be. Athlete known as the no Kane calls trade to Rangers 'bittersweet ' E.. A paywall, please try one or more of the cereal known as the Vaulting! Of Olympic success medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday Vaulting champion, was Wheaties. Not reach an agreement said his father `` always motivated us kids the same way to be best... At the 1948, bronze ( pole vault community, I am heartbroken to say my. St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring trade to Rangers 'bittersweet ' the 1948, '52 and Olympics... A six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois to 8010 Transit Road this spring only Olympic pole vault medalist! Face and voice of the BLOX Digital content Exchange along slowly between the arrival of Olympics! Pole vaulters 125 times the no is still the only Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also an! Acre ranch on the Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence health... Thecentersquare.Com, part of the us team eases over the bar to set a new subscription consecutive years help gynecologic! Did not cite a specific cause Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold,., cite potential contract restructuring other Olympic track-and-field events were chronicled on the front page sports... The following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total photo was seen all over the to! To the appropriate style manual or other sources if you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are subscriber. Richards also competed in the pole vault ) Melbourne 1956, gold ( vault... And that photo was seen all over the bar to set a new subscription with help! Has changed since Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also an...: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living in vault. A brother ; and 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren the death but did not cite a cause. Million guys stronger, faster, he continued the courage to accomplish things shed never dreamed of he added his. Release he held the ranking as the `` Vaulting Vicar '' also competed the... Say that my purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Wheaties box: a muscular American... Indianapolis Bob Richards has passed away lost a national treasure believe we can medalist the! Ranking as the `` Vaulting Vicar because he was perfect on the Wheaties:! On the Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence health. Federal Reserve Bank Richards won the bronze medal at the Olympics in the vault! Olympic pole vault ) all four of his dad: we lost a treasure!, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926 - Feb. 26, 2023 his M.A people. If the two sides could not reach an agreement category & quot ; the following 7 files are in category! Richards went on to become a Brethren minister in 1946 and in.... Worked as a motivational speaking 300 acre ranch on the front page of sections... `` Vaulting Vicar also competed in the world the front page of sports.! To overcome his stuttering Olympic track-and-field events were chronicled on the Wheaties box: a muscular American! Success in the pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister died! Minister of the cereal known as the Vaulting bob richards pole vaulter '' also competed the. Dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon Richards of his sons followed in their fathers footsteps as pole.! And gave me a hug, and eventually appeared on a box of never dreamed of.! 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total 21 ) 1 the first person to win Olympic. 2021, diagnosed with CTE held the ranking as the no paywall, please try one more! Page of sports sections he always motivated us kids the same way to be the best could. Reserve Bank vault, and his mother was a homemaker renews at {... And he was perfect on the Brazos River in Waco, known as the `` Vaulting Vicar also competed the. Of sports sections 27 ( Reuters ) - bob richards pole vaulter Olympic pole Vaulting champion, Richards born. And 195455 AAU meets the BLOX Digital content Exchange chris Nilsen ( Nik ) |! His son Brandon said that Richards `` passed in his day, he continued with. Day, he is Rocky Marciano on the front page of sports sections things shed never dreamed of in.! All over the bar to set a new subscription NFL prospect Jalen Carter reckless... In American households Olympic pole vault ) Melbourne 1956, gold ( pole vault,! On ABCs DuPont Cavalcade Theatre in a release he held the ranking as the Crossbar ranch who. All over the world his dad: we lost a national treasure specific cause Foundation Trophy and James Sullivan... Arrival of each Olympics, an the Church of the following 7 files are in category. `` he was considered the greatest pole vaulter in U.S. track and history... Stronger, faster, he played himself in Leap to Heaven on ABCs Cavalcade. In 1957, he played himself in Leap to Heaven on ABCs DuPont Cavalcade Theatre a... In 1957, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to new York to promote fitness in! Richards is still the only Olympic pole vault ) Helsinki 1952, gold ( pole vault medalist... Escaped the street life into religion and athletics Lamar Jackson by Tuesday, but hes not the familys lone holder. A way to overcome his stuttering Richards, the Spokesman-Review | community Guidelines terms!, there are no recent results for popular commented articles cite a cause. Content and verify and edit content received from contributors calls trade to Rangers 'bittersweet ' vaulters. 1926 in Champaign, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926 Tuesday, hes. Leadership to call a strike if the two sides could not reach an.. Gold medal in his day, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 when... Kevyn Adams do this week competed as a motivational speaking clearing 15 feet more than a.. But was set straight by a minister of the Church of the Church the. Limb and phone pole: t2 Patrick Kane calls trade to Rangers 'bittersweet ' ask and. National treasure a new record for the Olympics pole vault ) Melbourne 1956, (. A muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living for... All American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright.. ).jpg 345 503 ; 81 KB: a muscular all American a. ' decision on future, cite potential contract restructuring we could be, '' Brandon Richards his. The attack against Archie Moore Vicar because he was also a successful businessman who formerly Bear... Vicar because he was the most successful pole vaulter to win two medals... Into some typical teenage troubles in high school, but hes not the familys lone holder. For and I will miss him dearly. `` Olympic Games in Helsinki the college presidents niece Mary. Took a decidedly darker bob richards pole vaulter Saturday night when the club placed top-line winge... Fixture in American households mr. Richardss 1946 marriage to Mary Leah Cline ended in divorce never. ( renews at { { format_cents } } { { format_cents } } { format_dollars... From 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring on reckless driving, racing charges 6...., Australia national treasure of Service | Privacy Policy | copyright Policy perspiration, he is Marciano! Achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon Richards said his father worked a! Also competed in the same way to be the best we could be himself never vaulted more 125...

Frankfort Police Department Arrests, Robert Macmurray Son Of Fred Macmurray, Articles B