Bob Mathias

Bob Mathias
Congressional portrait circa 1967–1974
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 18th district
In office
January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1975
Preceded byHarlan Hagen
Succeeded byWilliam M. Ketchum
Personal details
Born
Robert Bruce Mathias

(1930-11-17)November 17, 1930
Tulare, California, U.S.
DiedSeptember 2, 2006(2006-09-02) (aged 75)
Fresno, California, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Melba Mathias (1954–1976)
Gwen Haven Alexander (1977–2006)
EducationStanford University (BA)
Sports career
Mathias at the 1952 Summer Olympics
Height6 ft 3 in (190 cm)
Weight203 lb (92 kg)
SportAthletics
EventDecathlon
ClubOlympic Club, San Francisco;
Stanford Cardinal
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1948 London Decathlon
Gold medal – first place 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 US House of Representatives for California's 18th congressional district, for four terms from 1967 to 1975.