Yang Chuan-kwang, Taiwanese decathlete, long jumper, and hurdler (b. 1933)

Yang Chuan-kwang, universally recognized by his English initials C.K. Yang, and known by his Amis name Maysang Kalimud (Chinese: 楊傳廣; pinyin: Yáng Chuánguǎng), was an exceptional Olympic decathlete hailing from Taiwan. Born on July 10, 1933, and passing away on January 27, 2007, his illustrious career marked him as a pioneering figure in Taiwanese sports, particularly as the first Taiwanese aboriginal athlete and the first athlete from the Republic of China to win an Olympic medal.

Yang's journey to international acclaim took him to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a renowned institution for athletic development. At UCLA, he benefited from the expert tutelage of the esteemed coach Elvin C. Drake, a legendary figure in collegiate track and field. It was also during this period that Yang formed a profound and enduring bond with his teammate and fellow Olympian, Rafer Johnson. Their unique relationship transcended mere competition, evolving into one of the most celebrated friendly rivalries in sports history.

The Iconic Rome 1960 Olympic Showdown

The pinnacle of Yang and Johnson's athletic careers and their shared narrative unfolded dramatically at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. Competing in the grueling decathlon, a ten-event discipline designed to test the ultimate all-around athlete, the duo engaged in an epic, two-day battle that captivated the world. The gold medal ultimately went to Rafer Johnson, who narrowly edged out C.K. Yang by a mere 58 points (8,392 to 8,334 points). This wasn't just a contest of athletic prowess; it was a profound testament to their deep mutual respect and friendship, as they embraced each other immediately after the final event, the 1500 meters, which Yang won, but not by enough to overcome Johnson's lead. Their sportsmanship became a lasting symbol of the Olympic spirit.

Breaking World Records and Lasting Legacy

Beyond his Olympic silver medal, C.K. Yang etched his name into the annals of track and field history in 1963 by becoming the first decathlete in the world to break the formidable 9,000-point barrier, achieving a remarkable score of 9,121 points under the scoring tables of that era (equivalent to 8,089 points under the updated 1985 tables). This world record performance solidified his status as one of the greatest decathletes of all time. After his retirement from competitive athletics, Yang continued to contribute to public life, serving as a legislator in Taiwan, further cementing his legacy as a national hero and an inspiration for future generations of athletes, particularly from indigenous communities.

Frequently Asked Questions about C.K. Yang

• Who was C.K. Yang and what was his significance?

  C.K. Yang (Yang Chuan-kwang) was a legendary Olympic decathlete from Taiwan, widely regarded as one of the greatest multi-event athletes in history. He was significant as the first Taiwanese aboriginal athlete and the first athlete from the Republic of China to win an Olympic medal (silver at the 1960 Rome Olympics). He also famously broke the decathlon world record in 1963, becoming the first man to surpass 9,000 points.

• What was C.K. Yang's relationship with Rafer Johnson?

  C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson were not only teammates at UCLA but also close friends and fierce rivals in the decathlon. Their competition at the 1960 Rome Olympics is particularly famous, where Johnson narrowly defeated Yang for the gold medal. Despite the intense rivalry, their friendship remained strong throughout their lives, embodying true sportsmanship.

• Did C.K. Yang set any world records?

  Yes, C.K. Yang set a decathlon world record in 1963 with a score of 9,121 points. This made him the first decathlete in history to break the 9,000-point barrier, a monumental achievement in the sport.

• What was C.K. Yang's indigenous heritage?

  C.K. Yang was a member of the Amis people, one of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. His Amis name was Maysang Kalimud. His success on the global stage made him a significant role model and source of pride for indigenous communities in Taiwan.