Advertisement

Rafer Johnson: A life in Photos

HE STEPPED UP: Rafer Johnson didn't know he would be the final torch-bearer until about 10 days before the 1984  ceremony.
HE STEPPED UP: Rafer Johnson didn’t know he would be the final torch-bearer at the Coliseum until the Games’ organizer, Peter Ueberroth, told him about 10 days before the opening ceremony.
(Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)
Share via
Basketball was one of four sports Rafer Johnson (18) lettered in in high school.
(Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)
Rafer Johnson, center, finishes the fourth 100-meter heat of the decathlon at the Olympics in Rome on Sept. 5, 1960.
(Associated Press)
Advertisement
Rafer Johnson competes in the shot put, one of the events in the decathlon, at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
Rafer Johnson competes in the shot put, one of the events in the decathlon, at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
(Associated Press)
Wilma Rudolph and Rafer Johnson on the set of "The Games" at Rome's Olympic Stadium on March 24, 1969.
(Jim Pringle/Associated Press)
Rafer Johnson runs around the track at the Coliseum before lighting the Olympic flame on July 28, 1984.
(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Rafer Johnson lights the Olympic torch during opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Rafer Johnson lights the Olympic torch during opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
(Associated Press)
Rafer Johnson of the United States competes against Yang Chuan-kwang of China in the 1,500-meters portion of the decathlon.
(Robert Riger/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Rafer Johnson, and C.K. Yang during the Olympic Games.
Rafer Johnson and C.K. Yang during the Olympic Games.
(Keystone / Getty Images)
Rafer Johnson holds the torch after lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremony for the World Games at the Coliseum.
Rafer Johnson holds the torch after lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremony for the World Games at the Coliseum.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Rafer Johnson works as a volunteer for the Special Olympics in his office in Culver City.
(Joel P Lugavere/Los Angeles Times)
Rafer Johnson was grand marshal of the 29th Pacoima Christmas parade.
(Gerard Burkhart/Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement