About this Event
Welcome to the UCLA Anderson x Asia Society "Decathalon" Screening! Join us at the UCLA Anderson School of Management-Grand Salon for an exciting in-person event. “Decathlon: The C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson Story,” tells the thrilling tale of C.K. Yang, Taiwan’s greatest Olympic hero, and his epic contest for the title of “World’s Greatest Athlete” at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, with his fierce rival – and, unknown to many – best friend, the African American superstar Rafer Johnson.
The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome were held against the background of the Cold War. Political tensions between Taiwan and China spilled over into the sporting world, piling immense pressure on Yang to succeed for his nation and for his government.
In the U.S., the emerging civil rights movement needed Johnson to serve the cause by winning gold. Despite the pressure and the rivalry that it amplified between these two elite athletes, what really shines through in their remarkable story is their enduring friendship.
The film recounts the story of how each man overcame disadvantaged backgrounds and societal prejudice on opposite sides of the world, to train together, share the same coach, and help each other – even as they prepared to do battle in Rome.
Rafer and CK are gone now. But their lives, and the challenges they overcame, contain valuable lessons about friendship, confronting adversity, and being the best that they could be, and can serve to inspire people today. And of course the issues that shaped them— the Taiwan-China conflict and the fight for social justice— are as relevant now as they were back then.
The film includes rare archival footage, new personal material provided by Yang and Johnson’s families, interviews with relatives, team-mates and friends, and even declassified Taiwan government documents.
The story was created by former CNN Asia correspondent Mike CHinoy and former Asian Wall Street Journal correspondent John Krich. Bringing it to life is Taiwanese Canadian director Frank W. Chen, whose previous documentary, “Late Life; The Chien-Ming Wang Story,” is on Netflix, and was nominated for Best Documentary at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan.
The film runs 45 minutes, and is available to stream, or on DVD or Blu-Ray.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow film enthusiasts and explore the cultural significance of this cinematic masterpiece. Save the date and be part of this unforgettable experience!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
UCLA Anderson School of Management-Grand Salon, 110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, United States
USD 0.00
