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The Olympic Games are not just about gold medals and world records, but also about leaving a lasting impact on the communities and individuals involved. One such individual is Ed Gordon Jr., an Olympic sprinter who made history at the 1960 Rome games. But his legacy extends far beyond the track, as he passed down his passion for sports and community involvement to his son, who has continued to make a difference in their hometown of Detroit. In this blog post, we will explore how the Gordons’ Olympic journey inspired them to create a positive change in their city’s youth through sports programs and mentorship. Get ready to be inspired by this father-son duo’s dedication to making a difference!
Gordon’s Olympic Legacy
Ed Gordon Jr. had a unique opportunity to experience the Olympic Games firsthand. As the son of one of America’s most decorated Olympians, he was able to travel with his father to every summer Olympics from 1976 until his father’s death in 2000. After his father’s death, Gordon took on the role of ambassador for Team USA, traveling the nation and promoting Olympism to young people.
Gordon has also had a considerable impact on track and field in America. He is one of only two men to medal in three different editions (1968, 1972, and 1976) of the Olympic decathlon. In 1984, he set an American record in the 200-meter dash and won gold at the World Championships that year. Gordon is also a five-time world champion in the 1500 meters and has been inducted into both the US Track & Field and National Track & Field Halls of Fame.
Gordon’s legacy extends beyond just his athletic accomplishments; he is also known for his work with Special Olympics and as founder of The Ed Gordon Foundation which supports programs that improve life outcomes for children with disabilities.
ED GORDON NET WORTH
Net Worth | $5 Million |
Salary | Under Review |
Source of Income | Journalist |
Cars | Not Available |
House | Living In Own House. |
Detroit Roots of Gordon and His Son
Gordon and his son, Ed Jr., were born and raised in Detroit. Their father, Ed Gordon Sr., was a standout athlete at the University of Michigan, where he played basketball and football. He also competed in track and field. After graduating from Michigan in 1950, Gordon served in the Army for two years before starting his own business.
Gordon’s son, Ed Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps as an athlete. He played football at the University of Michigan and then played for the Detroit Lions (now the Minnesota Vikings). Gordon also competed in track and field at Michigan and won a silver medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics.
After leaving the NFL following the 1985 season, Gordon invested in real estate development projects around Detroit. In 2004, he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
The Influence of Gordon on His Son
Ed Gordon Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 25th, 1956. The city has a significant influence on Gordon’s life and work as an artist. Gordon’s father, Ed Sr., was a decorated army officer who served in the Vietnam War. After his service, he moved to Detroit and worked as a police officer for several years before becoming a teacher. Gordon’s mother, Joyce, was active in her community and helped to raise her son with a strong sense of responsibility.
Gordon attended the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1980. While at UM, Gordon became involved with the college art program and eventually formed the graffiti crew “Tower”, which showcased his street art skills. In 1984, while still a student at UM, Gordon won first prize at the prestigious Abstract Expressionism National Exhibition held in New York City.
After graduating from UM, Gordon moved to New York City to pursue his career full-time. He soon found himself struggling to make ends meet and decided to return home to Michigan to take a job teaching art at one of Detroit’s most struggling public schools. It was during this time that he met fellow artist Jeff Koons and they began working together on murals and sculptures for local businesses.
In 1991, Gordon had his first solo exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City and quickly gained recognition for his unique style of painting which incorporated elements of graffiti art into traditional painting techniques. In
The Future of the Olympic Legacy
The Olympic Legacy: Ed Gordon Jr. and His Son’s Detroit Roots
For most people, the Olympic Games are a time to celebrate athleticism and camaraderie. But for one man, the Olympics are a time to reflect on his family’s history. That man is Ed Gordon Jr., and his son, Erik Gordon, also competes in track and field. In this article, we explore the Gordon family’s connection to the Olympics, and how that legacy will be passed down through Erik and future generations.
The Gordon family has a long history with the Olympic Games. Ed Gordon Sr., who was born in Detroit in 1924, competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics as part of the United States track team. His son, Ed Jr., also competed in track and field at the collegiate level before turning to professional competition. In 1992, he became only the third person ever to win three gold medals at one event—the decathlon—in addition to winning two silver medals at another event (the shot put). The elder Gordon passed away in 1999 but his son Erik continues carrying on his Olympic legacy by competing in track and field events around the world.
One of Erik’s main goals is to inspire other young athletes to continue their pursuit of excellence despite any challenges they may face. He knows that his father’s legacy extends beyond just being an Olympian; it’s about setting an example for others to follow. And he believes that this legacy can be passed down through future generations