BEIJING — Bryan Clay looked like he would have traded anything but the Olympic decathlon gold medal he had just won for a cool shower and a place to sleep. Clay became the first American to win the title of “World’s Greatest Athlete” since Dan O’Brien in 1996, only the second since Bruce Jenner in 1976, here late Friday.
“Of course I’m pleased with the medal, I’m pleased with the title that comes with the medal,” Clay said. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have worked for something for so long and finally accomplish it and have all my dreams come true.”
Having claimed silver in Athens, Clay now can be mentioned in the company of other American greats in the event. He is the third American to win decathlon gold and silver, joining Milt Campbell and Rafer Johnson. Bob Mathias won gold in 1948 and 1952. Already Clay is talking about trying to become the first American to win three Olympic decathlon medals.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had the decathlon gold medal brought back to the States,” Clay said. “I’m happy with being the person to do it.”
Clay’s father is African-American, his mother Japanese, and he grew up in Hawaii. After meeting Olympic bronze medalist Chris Huffins when he was a sophomore, Clay began to think about the decathlon. Huffins introduced Clay to his college coach, Kevin Reid of Azusa Pacific. Reid still coaches Clay.
By his own admission, Clay was a rebellious teenager, but he gives two reasons for getting on the right path: Sports and accepting the Christian faith his mother had been trying to instill in him.
In 2007 he established the Bryan Clay Foundation for kids, particularly Hawaiian youth, with the motto: Building Champions, Changing Lives. The foundation awards college scholarships and provides equipment for high school physical education departments.
“I’ve always said my goal with track and field was to use it as a platform to help change lives,” Clay said.
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
