Found an old Life Magazine (July 11, 1949) last week. The cover with Bob Mathias got to me right away. Inside a spread about his return home to Tulare, CA to compete in US National decathlon the year after his 1948 Olympic decathlon victory in London as a 17 year old high school phenom. Two Life photographers Bill Wasson and Michael Rougier were there to cover the event. No credit given to the writer. (ed.)
A lifetime pass to high school sporting events? What about the senior prom? What about the $40,000 spent on the parade? Her sights seem to be set. (ed.)
Pole Vault added 696 points to Mathias' score as he cleared a height of 11 feet 6 inches- amazingly good for a 195 pounder. His all-round excellence in the field events clinched his victory.
22 feet 4 1/2 inches Broad Jump 3rd place, 2nd in his heat in 100 m
Between events Mathias grins at closest rival Moon Mondschein, three times U.S. Champion. Said the 25-year-old Mondschein, "When this kid matures, I retire."
Bob's mom and then gov of California Earl Warren study the form.
I bet he knows all of mom's favorite recipes now. (ed.)
Congrats from the Gov. later to be Chief Justice of Supreme Court (ed.)
Momma has some words of advice about that 1500 meters. Out fast, don't look back, I've got blueberry pie in the oven. (ed.)
Bob's brother (left) helps him walk it off and talks over their
options for the rest of the evening in downtown Tulare. (ed.)
Very complete T&F coverage of Bob Mathias before the days when 20-30 "sports" clamored for attention each week and pro sports dominated the cable wires. It was also a time when the decathlon winner was considered the greatest all-around athlete. I believe Bob Mathias later became a US Representative for California. A life well lived! Bill Schnier
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