Some Olympians become famous for
other accomplishments
long after the medal glory wears off. Here are a few folks you
might not remember for participating in the Olympics.
Dr. Benjamin Spock,
author of the bestselling Common Sense Book of Baby and Child
Care (1946), was the authority on child rearing in Baby Boomer
America. Spock rowed with Yale's crew team and made the men's
eights team for the 1924 Paris Olympics. He won a gold medal at
age 21. He also placed
third in a 4-mile rowing contest at age 84.
General George S. Patton, World War II officer who led
the U.S. Third Army on the Western Front, was famous for his
foul mouth, rousing speeches, and tenacious leadership. He placed fifth in the
inaugural modern pentathlon (swimming, riding, fencing, running,
shooting) at the 1912 Olympics.
Bruce Dern was second in 1500 meters and 800 meters
events in the Senior Olympics.
Geena Davis picked up archery as a
hobby, but almost made the 2000 USA Olympic Team, where she
placed 24th out of 300 at the tryouts. She had only been
shooting for two years prior to trying out.
Jason Statham developed an interest
in diving at age 11, joined Britain’s National Diving Team and
competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Dolph Lundgren was asked to serve as
the Team Leader for the 1996 US Olympic Modern Pentathlon
team.
Strother Martin, from Cool Hand Luke
movie, "What
we've got here is failure to communicate." He entered the adult
National Springboard Diving competition in hopes of gaining
a berth on the US Olympic team, but finished third in the
competition.