Bob mathias biography

Bob Mathias (born ) was the youngest person ever to win the gold medal in the Olympic decathlon, a feat he accomplished in at the age of He was also the first person ever to win two Olympic decathlons.

Bob Mathias was born on November 19, , in Tulare, California, the second of four children born to Dr.

Charles Milfred and Lillian (Harris) Mathias.

Bob mathias biography

With her first child a son, Lillian Mathias had her hopes set on a baby girl for her second child; it is said that she cried when she heard that her new baby was another boy. Even as a baby, however, Mathias displayed a phenomenal level of coordination, a hint of his future talent in sports.

Overcame Anemia to Become Star Athlete

When Mathias was 11 years old, he was found to have a shortage of red blood cells, and his father treated him for anemia.

He had to take iron pills, eat a special diet, and take frequent naps to conserve his strength. By the time he entered Tulare High School, however, he had recovered from th