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Legends Day at The Armory

Legends Day at The Armory
all Photos by Chris Herder/LotusPhotographers.com

In 90 years of making track and field history, The Armory has never seen such an extraordinary concentration of star power. Four of the greatest living track legends of all time - Carl Lewis, Rafer Johnson, Bruce Jenner and Michael Johnson - visited The Armory and the US Track and Field Hall of Fame on Friday, April 27 as part of the "30th year celebration of The Hershey's Track and Field Games".

These four gracious, dedicated and inspiring giants of our sport filmed training videos, mentored young athletes, talked track with Derrick Adkins (The Armory's resident Olympic gold medallist) and toured the Hall of Fame with Armory president, Dr. Norb Sander. It was a wonderful day; an uplifting day and we thank The Hershey Company and Hershey Vice President, Bob Goodpaster for making it all happen.

Meet The Legends

Rafer Johnson was a world and Olympic record holder in the decathlon, winning a Silver Medal in Melbourne and a Gold in Rome during the 1960 Games after an epic battle with C. K. Yang of Taiwan. After the 1960 Games, Johnson stepped away from Olympic competition and dedicated his time and energies to helping others. He founded California Special Olympics in 1969, and is now involved with 28 different youth charities.

Bruce Jenner broke the world record by scoring 8,634 points in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal and earned the title, "World's Greatest Athlete." The years since his athletic achievements made him world famous, Bruce has become a highly respected motivational speaker, sports commentator, entrepreneur, and loyal supporter of many non profit and charitable organizations

Carl Lewis is one of only two Olympic athletes to win nine gold medals and one of only two to win the same individual event four times. In total, Carl won 10 Olympic medals during his career (1984 to 1996), eight World Outdoor Championship gold medals and one bronze (1983 to 1993). He didn't lose in the long jump for a decade, winning 65 consecutive competitions. Carl continues to inspire others as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and sponsor of numerous non profit initiatives.

Michael Johnson won five Olympic gold medals and was a World Champion nine times. He is the only man to win both the 200 m and 400 m races at the same Olympics (1996) and the only man to successfully defend his gold in the 400 m at the Summer Olympics (2000). Michael's commitment to excellence continues with his television commentary for BBC, his sports training and management company and his ongoing support of Baylor track, Olympic track and numerous charitable organizations.

Hershey's Dream Team The greatest track stars of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. From left to right, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Bruce Jenner and Rafer Johnson
History Makers in the Hall of Fame Rafer Johnson, 1960 Olympic Decathlon Champion, and Dr. Norbert Sander, president of The Armory Foundation meet, for the first time, in the Hall of Fame.
Tales of Gold at The Armory Bruce Jenner sets the stage for Derrick Adkins, Dir. Of Track & Field, with a great story from his days of competition. What do great Track stars talk about when they meet? Everything.
Keeping the Dream Alive Carl Lewis inspires Whitney Fountain, 9th grade Armory track star from the Bronx with a warm embrace and sage advice. It's all about giving back for these legends of track and field
Reflections of a Champion Michael Johnson reflects back in the Hall of Fame and looks forward with his great work in helping the track stars of tomorrow achieve their goals
The Stars of Tomorrow Hershey selected these three lucky future stars in the center - Whitney Fountain, Phyllis Francis and Roger Boone - to receive coaching from the Legends. On the far left and far right are the mother of Whitney Fountain and the father of Phyllis Francis, respectively.
Aim High with Confidence Phyllis Francis, 800m HS record setter, learns throwing technique from Decathlon great Bruce Jenner. Watch out for javelins
Passing the Baton Michael Johnson works with Roger Boone, 9th grade sprint champion, on proper passing technique and how to run with teammates
There's fast and then there's Armory Fast Copy - Whitney Fountain, a 9th grade sprinter and long jumper from the Bronx who trains regularly at The Armory, enjoyed some special coaching from Carl Lewis
What's the hardest single event in the Decathlon? Rafer Johnson - "In my day and for me, it was the 400 meters. It wasn't a sprint, it was a distance race. The decathlon's all about pacing and the 400 meters was pacing within pacing and a tough way to end the first day." Bruce Jenner - "The whole event. Success in the decathlon requires speed, strength, endurance and - unlike any other event - an incredibly balanced training program. It's really one tough event to pull that altogether
Let me borrow those Shoes! Bruce Jenner, Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis visit their shoes in the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.
What a Great Day at The Armory! Derrick Adkins, Michael Johnson, Rafer Johnson, Dr. Norbert Sander, and Bruce Jenner.