Sad News: Bob Mathias Losing Battle With Cancer

I remember reading a book in elementary school with the bios of a few athletes- Mathias was one of them. He inspired me because he was so young. May he rest in peace.

God rest his soul. I didn't know the man, but believe from his athletic accomplishments that he was one of the most gifted atheltes of all time.

Mathias was awesome...prior to Daley Thompson teh only man to defend his Decathalon title...He won in 48 when he was just 17 I believe..I remember seeing a picture Mathias winninghis first at age 17 and the caption was "Olympic deacthalon was Child's play to gold medalist Robert mathias"

A source has told us that the incredible Bob Mathias, two time Olympic decathlon champ (and champ at age 17) has lost his bout with cancer and is in a coma and was to be taken off of life support last evening. Our condolences to his friends and family editor's note: I edited this post as earlier the headline said "Mathias passes" and this off course was not correct as his situation is very grim, he is being taken off of life support, but he has not officially passed.

Does anyone know of a website that has Olympic decathalon results on an event by event basis..notjust the total scores but the 10 event breakdowns?

Good article here:

http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00016202.html

Neuropsychiatrist wrote:

Does anyone know of a website that has Olympic decathalon results on an event by event basis..notjust the total scores but the 10 event breakdowns?

this does but only from 1952

Bob Mathias was a STUD in every sense of the word.

A true statesman as well.

I really like one of his quotes about wars and Olympiads . . .

"Years ago, in the days of the Greeks, wars were postponed to make room for the Olympic Games. In modern times, the Games have been postponed twice -- to make room for wars."

It is sad news indeed to hear about Bob. We in the decathlon community knew Bob was fighting cancer for quite some time. Bob is one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He has given so much to our sport, he will be sorely missed. As a young decathlete myself I looked up to Bob and his accomplishments. But later as a coach and administrator I really got to know the man. I can say that I have never met and more honest and sincere person. Bob had a grace and dignity about him that you don't see in todays athletes. Fred Samara

Thanks

that was exactly what I was looking for.

I always look to see where the athletes score their big points and whether they are speed guys or skill guys

Ed

I owned a house he once lived in. Not sure if he owned it or not, but he lived in that house.

Sad story

luv2run wrote:

I owned a house he once lived in. Not sure if he owned it or not, but he lived in that house.

Sad story

this story might interest you about another double olympic champion who lived in their house. (page 5)

RIP Bob Mathias a true legend

Passing of a true Class Act. Rest peacefully Mr. Mathias.

Thank you for posting that article Marathon Mind.

A true bummer of the highest degree...Mathias was one of the rare breed that gave back more to the sport than he ever received...he is appreciated and will be sorely missed.

MF

Naturally death is a sad event. I think a natural death should not be so sad. I think it is time to celebrate Bob Mathias' incredible greatness.

A teenage Olympic Gold medal in the decathlon is amazing, especially at 17. A 600 point victory in the Olympic deathlon 4 years later is almost as impressive.

The same guy does both?

That will never happen again.

God speed Bob Mathias!!!!

runn wrote:

I remember reading a book in elementary school with the bios of a few athletes- Mathias was one of them.

Was it called "Young Olympic Champions"? I might still have my copy somewhere.

I'd just to add my voice in remembering him and the greatness he showed on and off the athletic field.

A quick look at his life shows us how many ways a man can honor his country...... by getting involved..... be it with athletics, educational endeavers, politics,joining the service or just entertaining us. He did it all.

My prayers

Tom Hyland

he just passed away, according to news reports.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/09/02/sports/s195115D13.DTL