Thursday, 21 November 2024

Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Track & Field
Statistics: 1 Decathlon Olympic Gold Medal (1976)
1 Decathlon Pan American Games Gold Medal (1975)
1 AP Athlete of the Year Award (1976)
1 James E. Sullivan Award (1976)
Member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
It seems like every Olympics, the United States had a breakout star, and that year it took place in the decathlon, that person had to be Bruce Jenner.

Finishing tenth in the decathlon in the 1972 Munich Olympics, Jenner's stock rose annually, building up to Montreal's 1976 Games. Jenner won the 1975 Pan American Games, and except for a fault in the pole vault at the AAU National Championships, there was no blemish over 13 competitions.

Jenner was expected to win in Montreal, which happened with a World Record falling in the process. America loved Jenner, and immediately a household name was born.

Following the performance in the Olympics, Jenner sacrificed her amateur status and looked to capitalize on fame by appearing in film, television, and endorsements. Jenner was so famous that there was a board game based on the Olympic accomplishments, and winning the decathlon had never been elevated higher within American consciousness.

Decades later, Jenner, who was assigned male at birth, transitioned to female and became an activist for trans rights.

We are proud to nominate Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.