Richards also competed as a decathlete in the 1956 Olympics. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Baylor freshman Riley Richards' pole-vault lineage can be traced all the way back to the 1940s. Hes out there in the middle of the fight.. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Bob Richards Gold Medalist Monday, February 15, 2016, 7:30 p.m.. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in pole vaulting - and the first person ever to appear on a Wheaties cereal box - will be this year's speaker at the Hill College Alden J. Blanar Smith Speaker Series on Feb. 15 in the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center in Hillsboro. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. The two-time Olympic gold medalist watched as his . March 1, 2023 Updated Wed., March 1, 2023 at 11:18 a.m.. Bob Richards was featured on a Wheaties box in the . In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Bob showed early abilities in basketball and was a pole-vaulter and a star quarterback at Champaign Central High School. Richards was interested in athletics from boyhood, participating in diving and tumbling before . How close is Florida's Trinity Thomas to the NCAA's perfect 10 record? He got into some typical teenage troubles in high school, but was set straight by a minister of the Church of the Brethren. ET. The last UAW strike against Caterpillar was in 1994 and lasted 18 months. Richards became the face and voice of the cereal known as the Breakfast of Champions.. 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. "I saw it more as a mission than a job," says Richards, who was the General Mills cereal's . INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. The year 1951 also saw Richards become just the second man in history to clear the 15-foot mark in the pole vault, which he accomplished at the Millrose Games, and subsequently . Bob Richards 1951 (cropped).jpg 345 503; 81 KB. Richards himself never vaulted more than 15 feet 6 inches. 2021 (Eugene, Oregon, June 21) 1. He won gold medals in pole vault in both 1952 and 1956, becoming the only male two-time champion in the event in Olympic history. He had become a Brethren minister in 1946 and in 1948 received his M.A. Travis Scott caught on camera howling Back the f*** up at DJ before alleged nightclub assault, Jimmy Kimmel: Im fighting to lose weight before Oscars because I looked like a homemade sausage!, Olivia Wilde ready to date again after Harry Styles split but only with amazing guy, Drug task force arrests Mt. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. Robert Eugene Richards is an American retired athlete, minister, and politician. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bob-Richards, The Olympic Movement - Biography of Robert Richards. 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. Threats of harming another T. HE POLE VAULT -- the most technologically advanced, adventure-filled event in track and field -- represents all the innocence, bravado, and magic of childhood. With the ministers help, Mr. Richards enrolled at Bridgewater College, a Brethren-affiliated school in Virginia, where he dominated collegiate pole vaulting. 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. from Illinois. A million guys stronger, faster, he continued. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. He fared much better in his next two Olympic appearances. Feb. 20, 1926 - Feb. 26, 2023. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-round, followed by back-to-back gold medals. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. We'd love to hear eyewitness His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. He earned a bachelors degree in 1947 and a masters in 1948. AP Photo/Olympic World Photo, Pool, File 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. The UAW made an announcement on its website. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. Richards was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 and the U.S. National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975. 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. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. In 1958, Olympic pole vaulter Bob Richards became the first athlete to be featured on the front of a Wheaties box. He was 97. In 2000, Richards was inducted as a Laureate of The Lincoln Academy and awarded the Order of Lincoln (states highest honor) by the state of Illinois. That marriage ended in divorce. 1967 Winnipeg. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Robert Eugene Richards (February 20, 1926 - February 26, 2023) was an American athlete, minister, and politician. Bears explore trade for No. Family, friends and pole vault community, I am heartbroken to say that my . 1 min read. The only other person to win two Olympic pole vault titles is Yelena Isinbayeva from Russia. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. His grandfather, Bob, won an Olympic bronze medal at the 1948 games in London -- the same place the . INDIANAPOLIS (AP)Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Sportswriters called him the Vaulting Vicar because he was an ordained minister. He was 97. March 1, 2023 Don't knowingly lie about anyone He retired to a ranch in Waco, where he owned a golf course. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. You have permission to edit this article. Eighteen salesmen received awards. A Facebook post by his son Brandon said that Richards "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones." From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has died. If you want to get a clear picture, Mr. Richards once said, give todays vaulters a stiff pole.. Please subscribe to keep reading. "He always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be," Brandon Richards said. 1 eight times in an . ; three children from his second marriage, Brandon Richards and Thomas Richards, both of China Spring, Tex., and Tammy Richards LeSure of Mansfield, Tex. He continued participating in track and field events as he aged, joining the World Masters Games in quadrennial competitions popular with retired professional athletes and former Olympic competitors. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens. I was competing with a slippery pole.. 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. Be Nice. 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. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. Bob Richards, 97, pole-vaulting star, first champion on a Wheaties box. He also won decathlon championships in the 1951 and 195455 AAU meets. Richards was born and raised in Illinois, but moved to the Waco area after his athletic career ended. In his day, he was considered the greatest pole vaulter in history. 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. Im terrible. We wonder why we dont do anything when we dont believe we can. 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. Bob Richards was born on 20 February 1926 in Champaign, Illinois, USA. (The first was Cornelius Dutch Warmerdam. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has died The Rev. 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. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. He was 97. Bob Richards . Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Illinois, the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". At the 52 Games, the United States was very much engaged in the Cold War with Russia, but Richards befriended his Russian competitors, who in turn cheered when Richards cleared the bar to claim gold. He became an ordained minister and preached at churches and gatherings all over the world, earning the monikers the Vaulting Vicar and the Pole Vaulting Pastor. Richards became a popular and prolific public speaker who gave more than 25,000 speeches to businesses and organizations worldwide, Brandon said. To feel that youve got it? Richards earned a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1948, then won gold in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne. Actor: Cavalcade of America. 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! Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. After a difficult adolescence and the breakup of his home by divorce, he was reared by a minister in the Church of the Brethren. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. [1955] 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. The most colorful pole-vaulter . Low near 40F. When the cheerleading coach broke the news to Katrina Kohel that she was the only one left on the cheer squad, Kohel was determined to compete anyway. 1 in '79. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson appear headed for the April 4 election. The family that plays and prays together stays together, Richards intoned on countless occasions. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Richards continues to reside on his ranch near Waco, Texas. He is an actor, . Pole vaulter Bob Richards passes away. 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. 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.. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. 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. Bob showed early abilities in basketball and was a pole-vaulter and a star quarterback at Champaign Central High School. 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. 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. 1 vaulter for eight consecutive years. She died in 2019. Bob Richards is a remarkable human being. accounts, the history behind an article. His son, Brandon, w 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. INDIANAPOLIS, March 1 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens hope to agree to a contract extension with Lamar Jackson before the NFL's March 7 franchise tag deadline, general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine. And he was perfect on the Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living. 0. But it also came to be known for the far-right extremist views of one its founders, Willis Carto, a Holocaust denier and neo-Nazi hero. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. His autobiography, Heart of a Champion, was published in 1959. A year later, General Mills tapped him as its pitchman on the front of Wheaties cereal boxes and in television commercials. Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic pole vault gold medals, died at age 97 . racist or sexually-oriented language. Last month, union members overwhelmingly authorized union leadership to call a strike if the two sides could not reach an agreement. He also was the oldest living Olympic track and field champion before his death. Bob Richards 1951.jpg 455 731; 156 KB. Richards ran for president in 1984. Dozens killed after ship carrying migrants wrecks off Italy coast. Richards competed at the 1948, '52 . Bob Richards. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. 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. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Richards competed at the 1948, '52 and '56 Olympics in the pole vault. Long before modern athletes began . "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. Bob Richards of the US team eases over the bar to set a new record for the Olympics pole vault. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. By then, Mr. Richards was hopscotching around the country delivering what would add up to more than 25,000 motivational speeches at sales conferences, awards dinners and corporate retreats. that is degrading to another person. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 1 pole vaulter, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team. 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. 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. Until 2012, he had lived on a ranch in Santo, Texas, which he named the Crossbar Ranch and which was involved in numerous commercial activities, including oil and gas exploration and horse and cattle grazing. 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 . 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