Join us for the screening of Decathlon: The C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson Story followed by a Q&A with Director Frank W Chen and Writer Mike Chinoy, in partnership with UCLA Anderson School of Management. The documentary 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 rival – and, unknown to many – best friend, American superstar Rafer Johnson.

The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome were held during 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 striving to be the best they could be. These lessons continue to inspire people today. Moreover, the issues that shaped them—the Taiwan-China conflict and the fight for social justice—remain 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, teammates 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.

Save the date and don't miss this special opportunity to experience the screening and Q&A of Decathlon: The C.K. Yang and Rafer Johnson Story!

Schedule

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

6:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Registration

6:30 p.m.- 7:15 p.m. Film Screening

7:15 p.m.- 7:45 p.m. Q&A

7:45 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Program End