The first person to win two Olympic gold medals at the pole vault, Bob Richards, died at 97. He became a well-known face for being the first athlete to appear on the front of the American breakfast cereal Wheaties. Richards became an ordained minister in 1946 and contested for president in 1984 on the Populist Party ticket.
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Recently, his son confirmed, “He passed in his sleep peacefully” letting the world know the news. Nicknamed the Vaulting Vicar, Richards was a popular name among generations. Thus, his passing made fans teary-eyed and they rained heart-wrenching comments.
Fans lamented the demise of Olympics veteran
Bob Richards or later Rev. Robert E. Richards, became a hero in the 1950s. In fact, he was the first male athlete to win two gold medals on the Olympic stage at the pole vault. Long before today’s champions who use fiberglass to ride unimaginable heights, Richards used an aluminum pole to vault over 15 feet.
Besides being an inducted minister, he got recognition when he won medals in 1952, Helsinki, and in 1956, Melbourne. The Vaulting Vicar was one of America’s most celebrated athletes – an inspirational orator, and the cover person of Wheaties. In fact, he became the director of the Wheaties Sports Federation for being the face and voice of the “Breakfast of Champions.”
Being an active sportsperson for almost 60 years, Richards’s passing away devastated the citizens of America. People in or around the athletic world mourned the news, and took to their Twitter handle to express their grief. While remembering his legacy some people posted –
R.I.P. Bob Richards”The Vaulting Vicar.”
— Kris Radcliffe (@KCENkris) February 26, 2023
• Happy 97th Birthday to @IlliniTrackXC Hall of Famer Bob Richards, a 1948, '52 and '56 Olympic pole vaulter and decathlete. @maroonathletics pic.twitter.com/CrrumKNOpO
— Mike Pearson (@illinilegends) February 20, 2023
Remembering Bob Richards, a National Treasure and one of the Oldest Olympians at 97, who Passed Away Today.https://t.co/9IYAFLSXRS pic.twitter.com/cObI0JAvJ2
— Vaulter MAGAZINE (@VaulterMagazine) February 27, 2023
RIP Bob Richards- Olympic Champion, probably better known as the first athlete featured on the front of @wheaties cereal boxes
— Steve Flanagan (@naganalfs) February 28, 2023
RIP Bob Richards AKA "The Vaulting Vicar" A great man & inspiration to my generation. Who can ever forget those classic Wheaties boxes.
— Vern Gambetta (@coachgambetta) February 27, 2023
The Lord must’ve loved ordinary people because he made so many of us. Every single day, in every walk of life, ordinary people do extraordinary things!
– Bob Richards, through Jimmy Valvano— Sharpsville (PA) Boys Basketball (@SharpsvilleB) February 26, 2023
Richards has two sons and one daughter who eventually confirmed the news. It was clear from their statement that the veteran passed away in his sleep. Indeed, Richards created a prevalent appearance on television and radio, and made numerous national tours. He spoke to school and community groups, presenting awards at athletic banquets, and generating torrents of publicity.
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While he is at peace now, his legacy will remain in the hearts of the citizens.
Written by
Edited by
Anupama Ghosh