The Best That I Can Be

Rafer Johnson's story is the classic American dream: hard work leading to success, honor, and glory. When his family moved from Texas to rural California, they were the only blacks in town. Rafer became a straight-A student, class president, and four-four-sport legend. At UCLA, he won international fame as an athlete while becoming the first African American in a national fraternity, student body president, and a leader of the Campus Crusade for Christ. As an Olympian, he captained the U.S. team and carried the American flag. At the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, he was given the honor of lighting the Olympic flame. In all his capacities, he has been revered as much for his decency as for his accomplishments.Structured around the ten events of the decathlon, Rafer's memoir vividly describes an exceptional life. It takes us from obscure hamlets and quiet churches to the glamour of Hollywood and Washington, D.C., to dramatic athletic duels in Moscow, Melbourne, and Rome. It introduces remarkable people, both unknown and celebrated (the Kennedy family, Gloria Steinem, Tom Brokaw, and others) who befriended Rarer and affected his life. It tells of obstacles and tragedies -- crippling injuries, an alcoholic father, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy -- and what it takes to overcome them.

Rafer Johnson won the gold medal?in the decathlon in the 1960 Olympic Games, posting a new Olympic record in the event. After the Olympics, he devoted his time to his family, his career, and helping others. To this end, he became a sports commentator, worked with Robert F. Kennedy, and served as Chairman of the Board for the Southern California Special Olympics. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, and has two children.