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President Ford Greets Rafer Johnson in the Cabinet Room

In this photograph, taken by Bill Fitz-Patrick, President Gerald R. Ford greets former Olympic champion Rafer Johnson in the Cabinet Room. Johnson was visiting the White House for the first meeting of the Presidents Commission on Olympic Sports (PCOS) on September 9, 1975. President Ford created the commission in response to continuing conflicts among U.S. amateur sports organizations and declining performance by the U.S. in the Olympic games and other international competitions. Johnson won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. He previously won the silver in the event at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Johnson had an illustrious and varying career that included acting and involvement with the Special Olympics.
Photographer
Bill Fitz-Patrick
Date of Work
September 9, 1975
Type
Photograph
Credit
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
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