Bob Mathias Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

BORN

November 17, 1930

DIED

September 2, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Bob Mathias, a two-time Olympic champion in the decathlon and former U.S. congressman, died Saturday. He was 75.

The U.S. Olympic Committee said in a statement that Mathias died in his home in Fresno, Calif. His brother said the cause was cancer.

Bob Mathias became the youngest Olympic gold medalist in a track and field event in 1948 in London, when he won the decathlon at 17. It was only his third decathlon competition, having qualified for the Olympics by winning two events in the United States.

At the 1952 Games in Helsinki, Finland, he became the first athlete to repeat as Olympic champion in the decathlon. Earlier that year, he played fullback for Stanford in its Rose Bowl appearance. Though the Washington Redskins drafted him, he never signed. Mathias also won the 1948 Sullivan Award as the nation's top amateur athlete.

"He just had a lot of natural ability in everything he did," Eugene Mathias said.

Eugene Mathias said his brother was a gifted athlete from childhood, often outperforming older children.

"I tried jumping the high jump and I couldn't make it. He was three years younger and he said 'let me try it.' He did it and he made it," Eugene Mathias recalled. "We knew then that he could just do anything athletic."

After retiring from sports, Mathias served as a Republican congressman representing California from 1967-74, serving four terms. Following his political career, Mathias became the first director of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

He also is a member of the U.S. Olympic and national track and field halls of fame.

Mathias was the Associated Press male athlete of the year in 1952.

"Bob Mathias was one of those rare individuals with the ability to inspire a nation through his determination and perseverance. He was a champion in every aspect of life, and he embraced the values that make our country and the worldwide Olympic movement special," USOC chairman Peter Ueberroth said in a statement.

Eugene Mathias said his brother never boasted of his Olympic accomplishments and was happy to return to his home in California's Central Valley after his Olympic days ended.

"He liked the Valley here. He liked his hometown," he said.

Mathias is survived by his wife, Gwen, and several children.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press

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My cousins Ralph and Becky went to high school with Bob Matthias. They were seven or eight years older than I. But I met Bob Matthias in Washington DC. In the 60s. I was managing with 3M company and we sponsored a wine and cheese party in the lower basement of the house and Senate building. The first year we served New York and some wines from Europe. BOB AND, some of his staff came to the wine and cheese event and participated. I introduced myself as a Californian and who my cousins were,...

Roger Bell

January 06, 2025

In the 1960's, Bob operated the Bob Mathias Sierra Boys Camp in the mountains east of Fresno. For two summers I worked there as a camp counselor. My camp name was "Turtle" because I was a rather slow hiker. Bob was always a modest and down-to-earth leader who was idolized by all of the counselors. Years later, my first job out of college was with the U.S. Defense Department in Washington, D.C. Bob was serving in Congress then and he invited my wife and I to his home for dinner one...

Bob Erickson

January 08, 2024 | Carson City, NV | Friend

Bob was one of my 3 childhood heroes (Willie Mays, Sir Edmond Hillary, Bob Mathias).
An amazing athlete from a small town, the perfect 'Horatio Alger' story.He taught me that "doing the impossible" was possible.
I will always remember following the '48 and '52 Olympics specifically because he was in it. It taught me a lot about the spirit of competition and self determination. Would have loved to have known him. He will forever be a large part of my childhood memories.

David Crockett

September 03, 2021 | San Jose, CA

I met Bob by chance on a street in Rome after the '60 Olympics. I knew it was him right away but we didn't speak. I've always tried to leave famous people have their privacy. But he brought back great memories of my youth, remembering the "48 and '52 decathlons. I was 12 in '48 and he was my hero and took away my fear of competition as I ran the 100 and 220 in the MO state track meet in 1954. Thanks Bob. Dave

David Hahn

October 13, 2019 | Grand Marais, MN | Acquaintance

May,23 2016 Your film of 1954 inspired me as an 11year old to go on to enjoy a good athletic career.I am now 73 years old. Great man rest in peace.

Ian Humphries

May 23, 2016 | Ponteland,England

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Harry Simpson

September 02, 2014 | Alpharetta, GA

What an inspiring life you have led. RIP

April 10, 2014

I just saw the movie about your life in the Olympics and all your accomplishments, what a legacy, I am a proud American for you. you are a true inspiration for many, thank you.

virgie horgan

April 09, 2014 | Sacramento, CA

Still got your photo with me taken at Fresno,Bob.

Robin Sykes,Glasgow,Scotland

Robin Sykes

October 27, 2013 | Glasgow

Bob Mathias

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