The Best that I Can Be: An Autobiography

by Rafer Johnson, Philip Goldberg, Tom Brokaw (Introduction)

Rafer Johnson's story is the classic American hard work leading to success, honor, and glory.  Here, he openly writes about his humble beginnings in an obscure African American Texas ghetto, his growing up in the all-white, sun-drenched Californian town of Kingsburg, and his time at UCLA as the president of the student body and an acclaimed athlete.  His talents brought him to dramatic athletic duels in Moscow, Melbourne, and Rome, and to the glamour of acting, broadcasting, and politics in Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and the rest of the nation.

Structured around the ten events of the decathlon, Rafer's memoir vividly describes an exceptional life.  It introduces remarkable people, both unknown and celebrated (the Kennedy family; Gloria Steinem; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade; Tom Brokaw; and others), who befriended Rafer and affected his life.  It tells of obstacles and tragedies--crippling injuries, an alcoholic father, the assassination of his close friend Robert F.  Kennedy--and what it takes to overcome them.  With tact, integrity, and acute observation, Rafer Johnson shares the intimate moments that have shaped his life and the lives of others. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Genres: Sports

270 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 1998

About the author

Rafer Lewis Johnson is an American former decathlete and film actor.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The man is 5 stars. Giving 4 to his biography. Humble, professional, caring, competitive, and tough in so many ways... Rafer Johnson is a true American hero and inspiration. I had marked this as to-read after finishing David Maraniss' book about the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Johnson was maybe the most important athlete from those games (or a close 2nd to Cassius Clay). His life before and after is just as action-packed. Today's superstar, entitled, millionaire professional athletes need to read this book. Rafer is how it is supposed to be. Rafer is how you are supposed to act. Rafer is your model.

[George Sanderlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafer's THE MAN! Excellent book about a great multi event athlete and one of the greatest athletes of the 1950's and 60's. Good detail about his UCLA teammate C.K. Yang of Tiawan, who, had it not been for Rafer would have been the greatest athlete of the 50s and 60s. Includes some long forgot, yet very inspirational quotes ("Rafer, it's your time to be 10 times fierce!") from legendary UCLA track coach Ducky Drake.

[Eileen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Kingsburg, CA hearing of Rafer Johnson and his Olympic Gold/Silver Medals. Also if Jim Johnson’s NFL status and Monte Clark’s NFL draft.
Reading the book lined up with all that I had heard of Rafer and his character.
Well done autobiography. Usually I don’t trust autobiographies. This one was different because I had heard the character of this man (and those who had helped form his character) since I was a child.

[Villager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this autobiography. I didn't know much about the life and times of Rafer Johnson. He was truly a remarkable athlete. More importantly, he was a remarkable human being who shared some great stories about his lessons in life. He is an outstanding role model for all Americans ... particularly for African American men.

[Beth Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good account of what life was like for amateur athletes back in the 1950s.