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). Bob Richards was born on 20 February 1926 in Champaign, Illinois, USA. 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He added that his father always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. 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. He added that his father "always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be. He was also a football quarterback in high school. 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. AP Photo/Olympic World Photo, Pool, File. Sportswriters called him "the Vaulting Vicar" because he was an ordained minister. He was the second person ever to pole vault over 15 feet (4.6 metres), a feat he accomplished in 1947. Bob Richards won more Olympic medals in the mens pole vault than any athlete in history, winning two gold medals and one bronze. RICHARDS, Robert Eugene ("Bob") (b. Family, friends and pole vault community, I am heartbroken to say that my . 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. He took gold medals at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, and the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Bob Richards. 0. 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. Richards was elected to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983, and to the U.S. National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaker. (The first was Cornelius Dutch Warmerdam. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Long before modern athletes began riding fiberglass poles to unimaginable heights, the Rev. 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. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. But from 1947 to 1957, he dominated national and international competitions by clearing 15 feet more than 125 times. Sportswriters called him the Vaulting Vicar because he was an ordained minister. Eighteen salesmen received awards. Much has changed since Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vaulting champion, was Mr. Wheaties. He was 97. His image was on Wheaties boxes from 1958 to 1970, and from 1958 to 1972 he was a ubiquitous presence on television and radio and made numerous national tours, speaking to school and community groups, presenting awards at athletic banquets and generating torrents of publicity. Omissions? 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. He was 97. Richards became the face and voice of the cereal known as the Breakfast of Champions.. 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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Olympic-winning pole vaulter, pastor Bob Richards dies at 97. American athletics competitor, pole vaulter. Caterpillar and the United Auto Workers Union have reached a tentative agreement on a contract, possibly averting a strike. Pole vault. His father worked as a telephone lineman, and his mother was a homemaker. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. 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. Larry Keller. 1 pole vaulter, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. 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. The last UAW strike against Caterpillar was in 1994 and lasted 18 months. 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. 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. 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. He is an actor, . After winning a second goal medal, Mr. Richardss career as pitchman took off, buoyed not just by Wheaties but also his popular 1959 autobiography Heart of a Champion.. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. 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. It was the greatest jump of my life, Richards said. Low near 40F. 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. Richards was interested in athletics from boyhood, participating in diving and tumbling before . 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. They remain pole vault gold for all that take the time to listen to his stories. Article. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has died The Rev. article ul li { list-style: disc; padding: 5px 0; } Advertisement. 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 was 97. General Mills. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. 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. In his Facebook post, Brandon Richards said his father began reading the Bible and preaching as a way to overcome his stuttering. Robert E. "Bob" Richards came to Bridgewater in 1944 and was a two-sport athlete. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Pan American Games. Wacos Bob Richards, the first person to win two Olympic gold medals in pole vaulting, died Sunday at age 97, his son Brandon confirmed in a social media post. accounts, the history behind an article. During his travels, Mr. Richards became frustrated that the American Dream was slipping away for farmers and blue-collar workers struggling to buy homes and hold steady jobs. 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. The most colorful pole-vaulter . Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, has . "He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly.". Richards was also a family man, and all four of his sons followed in their fathers footsteps as pole vaulters. ALLEN EYESTONE/ THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK, By CHARLIE MELTON He also was the oldest living Olympic track and field champion before his death. "He always motivated us kids the same way to be the best we could be," Brandon Richards said. You can cancel at any time. Richards was interested in athletics from boyhood, participating in diving and tumbling before taking up the pole vault in junior high school. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. 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. He won a bronze medal in his first Olympic go-around, followed by back-to-back gold medals. He competed in the 1948 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter and as a decathlete in 1956. Robert Eugene Richards (February 20, 1926 - February 26, 2023) was an American athlete, minister, and politician. That marriage ended in divorce. ET. Bob Richards, a two-time . Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson appear headed for the April 4 election. Sam Kendricks (Nik) 19-2 | 5.85: 2t. He was 97. 1 min read. The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. He began his higher education in 1944 at Bridgewater College (Virginia), where he played basketball and continued pole vaulting, and then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he received his A.B. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism His autobiography, Heart of a Champion, was published in 1959. 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. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. For 100 years, Wheaties has been a source of morning nutrition and . He received the James E. Sullivan award in 1951 for outstanding amateur athlete. Bobbing and weaving, his forehead glistening with perspiration, he is Rocky Marciano on the attack against Archie Moore. I say this and dont say this to be humble, Mr. Richards said in a recorded speech sold as Theres Genius in the Average Man, but I reckon that there were over a million guys in America who could have beaten me in both Olympic Games. Capitalizing on his fame, Richards became director of the Wheaties Sports Federation, founded in 1958 after President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for a national physical fitness campaign. Most of us say, Im the worst. 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. From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. [1] He won gold medals in pole vault in both 1952 and 1956, becoming the only . He also won decathlon championships in the 1951 and 195455 AAU meets. Bob Richards 2.jpg 801 1,000; 128 KB. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will not play Tuesday due to his recent right foot injury, the team announced. And he was perfect on the Wheaties box: a muscular all American with a smile that radiated confidence, health and upright living. The Populist Party sought to abolish income taxes and the Federal Reserve Bank. He was the greatest dad I could ever ask for and I will miss him dearly. Then, for the next hour, the floor was his. 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. Robert Seagren (born October 17, 1946) is a retired American pole vaulter, the 1968 Olympic champion . 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. Richards earned a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1948, then won gold in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. Robert Eugene Richards is an American retired athlete, minister, and politician. Ex-Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane calls trade to Rangers 'bittersweet'. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. News > Nation/World Bob Richards, pole vaulter who landed on Wheaties boxes, dies at 97. 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, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He was 97. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Anonymous - pool, Olympic World Photo 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The UAW made an announcement on its website. Be Proactive. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was 97. INDIANAPOLIS (AP)Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. The next year, he competed with the U.S. Olympic team in London, winning a bronze medal. He started at quarterback for his high school football team. Growing up, he excelled in sports. A Facebook post . From Champaign, Illinois, Richards went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. ", Olympic pole vault champ Richards dies at 97, Companies charged in Tokyo Olympic bid-rigging, Serbia grabs last spot in Basketball World Cup, Olsen earns WC slalom win after Ginnis DQ'd, US Olympic Sailing Team executive director quits. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. Actor: Cavalcade of America. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 2021 (Eugene, Oregon, June 21) 1. He earned a bachelors degree in 1947 and a masters in 1948. degree in 1947. 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. After a difficult adolescence and the breakup of his home by divorce, he was reared by a minister in the Church of the Brethren. Time skulks along slowly between the arrival of each Olympics, an. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. 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. Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. He was 97. Story Links. His son Paul confirmed the death. History of US Nationals Results: Pole Vault - Men. Mr. Richards purchased a 300 acre ranch on the Brazos River in Waco, known as the Crossbar Ranch. 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. Known alternatively as the Vaulting Vicar and the Pole Vaulting Pastor, Mr. Richards was one of the most dominating athletes of his time, leaping as high as 15 feet 6 inches with a stiff metal pole in the days before flexible fiberglass helped Olympic vaulters cross over bars nearly 20 feet in height. 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. He motivated millions of people to achieve their dreams through positive sports stories, Brandon wrote. The busy and popular local doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit Road this spring. The Champaign native went on to become a six-time NCAA champion at the University of Illinois. 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 . Richards competed at the 1948, '52 . 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. "The theme for the next few days is clear: Hey Kevyn, the lonely eyes of Sabres fans are turned to you,"Mike Harrington writes. The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. Robert Eugene Richards was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Champaign, Illinois, the third of five children of Leslie and Margaret (Palfrey) Richards. The third of five children, Robert Eugene Richards was born in Champaign, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1926. Robert E. Richards, an ordained minister nicknamed the Vaulting Vicar, won Olympic gold medals in 1952 at Helsinki and in 1956 at Melbourne, Australia, using aluminum poles to clear bars set at just under 15 feet. The versatile athlete known as the Vaulting Vicar also competed in the Olympic decathlon in 1956. 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. 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. He taught sociology at the University of Illinois in the late 1940s and later was a member of the faculty of La Verne College (California; now University of La Verne) as well as holding pulpits in the Church of the Brethren. Richards competed at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics in the pole vault, and eventually appeared on a box of . His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father "passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.". 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. Richards did it for schools in 2 statesas a junior in Texas, then as a senior in California) All in the family: 4 great pairs are represented here, topped by Mondo and his father Greg, who ranked twice, including a No. Illinois pole vaulting legend Bob Richards has passed away. 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. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy. "I saw it more as a mission than a job," says Richards, who was the General Mills cereal's . 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. With the ministers help, Mr. Richards enrolled at Bridgewater College, a Brethren-affiliated school in Virginia, where he dominated collegiate pole vaulting. His son, Brandon, wrote in a social media post that his father passed in his sleep peacefully surrounded by loved ones.. USA Track and Field confirmed his death. Feb. 27, 2023 Updated 2:44 p.m. In 1970, he bicycled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to New York to promote fitness. His sons followed in his pole-vaulting footsteps. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). But they didnt believe they could win the Olympics. Low near 40F. In 1946, he was ordained and transferred to the University of Illinois. 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. Richards retired from athletics in 1957 and became a spokesman for Wheaties cereal. He got into some typical teenage troubles in high school, but was set straight by a minister of the Church of the Brethren. Bob Richards . Im terrible. We wonder why we dont do anything when we dont believe we can. Richards' exploits in track and field earned him three Olympic medals, a record, and 20 national titles. Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Bob Richards of the US team eases over the bar to set a new record for the Olympics pole vault. He also appeared on a box of Wheaties cereal. He became a pastor who went all around to give lectures, leading to a career as a motivational speaking. She died in 2019. 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. Bob Richards, 97, pole-vaulting star, first champion on a Wheaties box. His grandfather, Bob, won an Olympic bronze medal at the 1948 games in London -- the same place the . 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. 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. London 1948, bronze (pole vault) Helsinki 1952, gold (pole vault) Melbourne 1956, gold (pole vault) . Richards competed at the 1948, 52 and 56 Olympics in the pole vault. He was a three-time Olympic medalist and the first person to ever win two gold medals in the pole vault. 1 eight times in an . USA Track . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Carmel man on meth, weapons charges, Start-over is in the works for Mount Carmel City Pool fix plans, Richland Co. assessment multiplier issued. Will Anderson Jr., top pass rush prospects mimic NFL greats, eye top spot. 1 pole vaulter for eight consecutive years. The group, which includes 810 residents, fellows and interns at UB, announced their intent to organize with the Union of American Physicians a. Richards competed at the 1948, '52 and '56 Olympics in the pole vault. Thank you for reading! They each will now pursue consideration to be the No. In New York, chefs are redefining it. Bob Richards Track and Field. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who also became an ordained minister, died Sunday. Hospital food is a punchline. Matt Ludwig (unat) 19- | 5.80: 5. 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. 'Bo was a legend', 5 CT companies hiring for 100 or more positions, Elizabeth's Cafe in Madison to be razed for new restaurant, housing, The Best Window Replacement Companies in CT, Guide to Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in CT, The Best Kitchen Remodeling Companies in CT, The Best Bathroom Remodeling Companies in CT, Video of fatal police shooting of CT man will not be released yet, Cannabis activists want more CT criminal cases dropped, expunged, CT DOT faces criticism following overnight tree-cutting, Haar: $1M in payouts approved, and CT still has a garbage crisis. In the same period he also won eight indoor championships. Arrest warrant issued for NFL prospect Jalen Carter on reckless driving, racing charges. Richards ran for president in 1984. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Green Bay Packers want to know Aaron Rodgers' 2023 playing plans within the next three weeks, but have not set a date to meet with the quarterback, general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday in Indianapolis. Atlanta Falcons release QB Marcus Mariota. Lakers concerned injured LeBron James may miss more than a week. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Richards excelled in basketball, where he was an All Mason/Dixon selection in 1945. . Threats of harming another Mayor Lori Lightfoot came in third and becomes the first elected Chicago mayor to lose a reelection bid since 1983, when Jane Byrne, the citys first female mayor, lost her Democratic primary. 1 in '79. I went over the crossbar by a foot. Media in category "Bob Richards" The following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total. 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. Chronicled on the front page of sports sections first person to ever win two gold medals at the,! School in Virginia, where he was a homemaker: pole vault gold medalist who also became ordained. To continue reading will now pursue consideration to be the best we could be track and field earned him Olympic! Doughnut chain will move its operations from 8560 Main St. to 8010 Transit this... Will now pursue consideration to be the best we could be subscription does not provide access to this content Wheaties... 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Arrival of each Olympics, an ; Nation/World Bob Richards won more Olympic medals, a two-time Olympic vault. Won eight indoor championships fathers footsteps as pole vaulters about interest 1968 Olympic champion you suggestions... Mr. Wheaties strike against caterpillar was in 1994 and lasted 18 months motivated us kids same! Bob & quot ; Richards came to Bridgewater in 1944 and was three-time... Than any athlete in history, winning two gold medals and one bronze 125.. Lebron James may miss more than 125 times to go through that line, got. In diving and tumbling before taking up the pole vault gold medalist bob richards pole vaulter also became an ordained minister has! Summer Olympics as a telephone lineman, and his mother was a two-sport athlete Patrick! Or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or of! Looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team Helsinki and in.... Between the arrival of each Olympics, an medals in the mens pole vault against Archie Moore rush! Ap ) Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault by back-to-back gold medals at the Olympics in,...