Film and Discussion with Producer and Director

Monday, February 17, 7:00-8:30 PM,

Buttrick Hall 101,

Vanderbilt University

Decathlon: The C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson Story, tells the thrilling tale of C.K. Yang, Taiwan’s greatest Olympic hero, and his epic contest for the title of “World’s Greatest Athlete” at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, with his fierce rival – and, unknown to many – best friend, the African American superstar Rafer Johnson.   

The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome were held against the background of the Cold War. Political tensions between Taiwan and China spilled over into the sporting world, piling immense pressure on Yang to succeed for his nation and for his government.  

In the U.S., the emerging civil rights movement needed Johnson to serve the cause by winning gold. Despite the pressure and the rivalry that it amplified between these two elite athletes, what really shines through in their remarkable story is their enduring friendship.  

The film recounts the story of how each man overcame disadvantaged backgrounds and societal prejudice on opposite sides of the world, to train together, share the same coach, and help each other – even as they prepared to do battle in Rome.  

Rafer and CK are gone now. But their lives, and the challenges they overcame, contain valuable lessons about friendship, confronting adversity, and being the best that they could be, and can serve to inspire people today. And of course the issues that shaped them— the Taiwan-China conflict and the fight for social justice— are as relevant now as they were back then.

Free program for the public

All are welcome to join the conversation.