Bob Mathias

American decathlete and politician (1930–2006) Bob MathiasCongressional portrait circa 1967–1974Member of the U.S. House of Representativesfrom California's 18th districtIn officeJanuary 3, 1967 – January 3, 1975Preceded byHarlan HagenSucceeded byWilliam M. Ketchum Personal detailsBornRobert Bruce Mathias(1930-11-17)November 17, 1930Tulare, California, U.S.DiedSeptember 2, 2006(2006-09-02) (aged 75)Fresno, California, U.S.PartyRepublicanSpouse(s)Melba Mathias (1954–1976)Gwen Haven Alexander (1977–2006)EducationStanford University (BA)Sports careerMathias at the 1952 Summer OlympicsHeight6 ft 3 in (190 cm)Weight203 lb (92 kg)SportAthleticsEventDecathlonClubOlympic Club, San Francisco;Stanford Cardinal Medal record Men's athletics Representing the United States Olympic Games 1948 London Decathlon 1952 Helsinki Decathlon Robert Bruce Mathias (November 17, 1930 – September 2, 2006) was an American decathlete, politician, and actor. Representing the United States, he won two Olympic gold medals in the Decathlon, at the 1948 and the 1952 Summer Games. As a Republican, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives for California's 18th congressional district, for four terms f