The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
S4-E19 - Taiwan's Olympic GOAT? Mike Chinoy's New Documentary "Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story"
Aug 16, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Maysang Kalimud, known as CK Yang, shares his extraordinary journey as an Indigenous Taiwanese Olympic decathlete. He highlights his intense rivalry with Rafer Johnson during the 1960 Rome Olympics and the heavy pressures athletes faced amid Cold War tensions. The conversation delves into the deep bond formed between CK and Rafer, showcasing their supportive friendship against a backdrop of athletic competition. Lastly, they explore the creation of a documentary that brings CK's inspiring legacy to life, capturing the essence of sports and nationalism.
31:47
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Quick takeaways
- C.K. Yang's silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics marked a historic moment for Taiwanese identity and resilience in sports.
- The enduring friendship between C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson highlights a deep bond that transcends athletic rivalry, emphasizing true sportsmanship.
Deep dives
The Epic Rivalry of C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson
C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson were both legendary figures in the decathlon, showcased during the 1960 Rome Olympics, where they engaged in a thrilling competition that highlighted their athletic prowess. The event was incredibly demanding, requiring athletes to excel in ten different disciplines over two days. Their rivalry reached a peak during the final event, the 1500 meters, which determined the gold and silver medalists, captured in an iconic moment where they collapsed in each other's arms after the race. Yang's silver medal marked not only a significant personal achievement but also made history as the first Olympic medal for Taiwan and for anyone with a Chinese surname.
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