To a typical bar-goer, the four people, aged 50-86, gathering for a picture two Fridays ago at Barney’s Beanery may not have seemed extraordinary.
To someone more informed, four Olympic medalists and former Bruins were reunited once again.
“When it comes to an Olympic year, (Olympians) get excited, even if you’re not in the games,” said UCLA alumna and former Olympic sprinter Sherri Howard.
“It takes us back in time and allows us to experience it over and over again. This is an honor to be around such great athletes, including some Bruins, and just watch others do what you’ve done in the past,” Howard said.
An organization known as the SoCal Olympians and Paralympians put on the event, which brought together 12 former Olympians, a third of them also former Bruins, to support the Koroibos Foundation.
The foundation provides for athletes who need financial support to fund their Olympic training. In addition to Olympians, the foundation also financially backs Paralympic hopefuls.
“It’s nice to be able to give back to the community and celebrate with some old friends,” said Brian Goodell, a UCLA alumnus who won two gold medals as a swimmer in the 1976 Olympics.
The former Olympians gathered to watch the opening ceremonies taking place in London.
This year’s location is especially important to Craig Dixon, who competed in the 1948 Olympics, the last Summer Games hosted by London.
“This one means a lot to me,” said Dixon, who won a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles.
“Obviously, it’s a different time, especially considering we all traveled to England on a boat … but (it is) really great to see the Olympics taking place in the same place I was, 64 years later. That’s really special.”
George Stanich, another event attendee, also competed in track and field in the 1948 games as a Bruin representative.
“The two of us, being from UCLA, in London, competing for the United States was just beautiful,” said Stanich, who won a bronze medal as a high jumper in the 1948 games. “We’ve been able to keep our friendship throughout the years, and it’s great to celebrate moments like this together.”
But while the four Bruin representatives will forever share an alma mater, Howard ““ who won gold and silver medals in the 1984 and 1988 games ““ said the Olympics supersede school loyalties.
“We represent a small breed of athletes who have had the opportunity to do something from around the world,” Howard said.
“When you look at your teammates ““ whether they’re (from) across the country or your rival like USC, we don’t look at each other as rivals when it comes to a time like this. It’s an honor to come together for this one moment and just celebrate being a part of such an elite group of athletes,” Howard said.