|
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Olympic Champion Rafer JohnsonRafer Johnson, the 1960 Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon and the man who lit the Olympic torch in 1984, embraces a new type of Olympic experience this year. The 65-year-old former decathlete's daughter, Jenny Johnson Jordan, 27, competes for the United States in the beach volleyball. Johnson spoke with CNNSI.com about being the father of an Olympian. Jenny played baseball, soccer and ran track growing up. My wife, Betsy, and I tried to keep her and her brother, Josh, involved in sports. Individuals who get to be part of sports learn more than just the sport. They learn what it takes to be prepared, which is obviously some work, some thought and how you fit in with a team. And they learn that it takes a lot of time to move from where you start to being better to maybe being a champion. It is a long, arduous journey. As Jennifer and Josh, [who finished eighth in the javelin at the U.S. Olympics Trials this year], grew up, my wife and I went as parents to their games. We delivered them to games and either coached or stayed to watch. It was a family activity. When youngsters can look to the sidelines and see that someone is there for them, no matter what the score is, no matter whether they are winning or losing, I think that is very important, as well. I spoke to her about the mental side of the game more than the specifics. I never discussed any negative aspects of the game. I would find something positive about the game - even if the team lost or if Jenny didn't have a particularly good game. Jennifer was a great defensive player, typically, and we would find something she did well and discuss it. I would never raise anything but the most positive situation about any game.
She started playing volleyball in junior high in Los Angeles. Jenny joined a group of girls who were in a school club. She was not the best among those girls. For her, this was a place to learn. She had teammates who were good and had a great coach. We talked about this - the idea that she was not the best -- and she took it to heart and she learned. The only message I've ever given Jennifer is to "be the best you can be." Early on, I was afraid there would be comparisons made between me and Jennifer. But fortunately, volleyball is a sport that I did not play. Coming to the Olympics is a wonderful experience for her. I've never talked much about my Olympics experiences with her. But I am looking forward now to really getting into it deep about my experiences. It's almost as if I don't have to talk quite as much, because she is living the same experience I lived. I'm thrilled to be here with her. It's a much more difficult emotional trip for me being here this time than it was when I was actually in the Games. Now, as a father, I sit in the stands, yell and scream and wish the best for her ... but that is all I can do. She controls everything with her play. When I was competing, if I got a little nervous, I could lift some weights or throw the shot put. Now, all I can do is applaud a little louder. I've had many great moments in the Olympics: the silver medal in Melbourne in 1956; then 1960 in Rome, where I captained the U.S. team, carried the American flag, had the great competition with my good friend Chan Kwan Yang and won the gold; and in Los Angeles, being selected to carry the torch on its final leg. But whatever I've done, this moment being here with my daughter, this is the greatest.
| |||||||||||||||||||||
