DAN O’BRIEN
Millions of Americans proudly watched Dan ‘OBrien win the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal to become the first American winner in the sport since 1976.
As an Olympic Gold Medalist in the decathlon, Dan’ O’Brien is officially considered the “World’ s Greatest Athlete.” His name is synonymous with athletic achievement and success both on and off the field.
Adopted at the age of two, and raised in a home with seven other children of racially mixed backgrounds – Dan has overcome many adversities throughout his life. And with a great deal of self-determination and commitment, he has become one of the most successful and dominant athletes in the history of sports. Dan is an inspirational leader and motivational force for millions of people across the world.
Dan ‘OBrien has spent his entire life overcoming obstacles. After encouragement from family, friends and coaches, he set new goals and began the journey that eventually established him as the most prolific decathlete in history. Only months after the failure to make the 1992 Olympic team, he set a new World Record at the Deca Star Invitational in Talence, France –defeating the 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Robert Zmelik.
He didn’t stop there. He went on to win the 1993 and 1995 World Championships, the 1994 Goodwill Games, and three US Championships – all leading into the 1996 Olympic Games. As a hands-down favorite, Dan endured two of the most difficult and stressful days of his career. He dominated the competition, and through perseverance, he emerged valiantly, winning the gold medal and the title of “World’s Greatest Athlete.”
