Know your Olympics - London Olympics 1948

Bob Mathias - A champion who wobbled his way to gold -

Olympic Champion Bob Mathias - A champion who 'wobbled' his way to the gold medal

Some people have their unique ways of celebrating victories. Likewise, at the London Olympics, a man won in the most amateurish way possible. It was natural, since he literally did not know the D of decathlon. The name was Robert Mathias, and this is his incredible journey to the gold medal.

When Bob Mathias came to the London Olympics, he was barely 17 years old. He was so naive that he was literally unaware about the technicalities of decathlon. He was unaware of the rules in the shot put and nearly fouled out of the event. He almost failed in the high jump but was able to recover.

However, Mathias soon overcame his difficulties. With a superior showing in the pole vault and the javelin throw segment, he scored enough to win the coveted Olympic gold medal. He became the youngest Olympic gold medalist in any track and field event till date.

Funnily enough, when he was asked how he would celebrate, he replied, tongue in cheek, "I will shave I guess!". Mathias retired in style in 1952, becoming the first decathlete to successfully defend his title.