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.