It has been a while since I have journaled, between taking 5 college classes, working, and then the continual program problems we have here, it is sometimes hard to find the time to write. This entry is going to be a little different than most of my other one’s, but I feel kind of passionate about it, and this brings me to some of the problems I see with the world today.
About two weeks ago, PEOPLE Magazine came out with a list of the 50 greatest Olympic Athletes of all time. But they failed to list one of probably the greatest of all time, Bruce Jenner. This was obviously a politically biased and discriminatory move by the magazine.
Bruce Jenner, was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York, is a former track and field athlete, television personality and motivational speaker. Over the years, he has accomplished remarkable feats both in the Olympics and in his personal life.
In his youth, Jenner showed a natural talent for sports, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. He attended Graceland College on a football scholarship but later transferred to the University of Connecticut where he pursued a career in track and field.
Jenner’s breakthrough moment came in 1972 when he set a personal best in the decathlon at the Olympic trials, earning him a spot on the US Olympic team. he went on to compete in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, where he finished in 10th place. despite not winning a medal, Jenner’s performance caught the attention of coaches and he was determined to come back stronger in the following Olympics.
Four years later, at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Jenner achieved global fame and solidified his name in Olympic history. He won the gold medal in the decathlon, setting a new world record and becoming one the “World’s Greatest Athlete,” as dubbed by the media. The victory not only brought him international acclaim but also opened doors for lucrative endorsement deals.
After his successful Olympic career, Jenner continued to make his mark in the sports world by becoming a successful race car driver. He competed in various events such as the International Race of Champions and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition to his athletic achievement, Jenner also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He appeared in several movies and TV shows, including the reality show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” along side his family. He also became a successful businessman, launching various business ventures such as fitness equipment and vitamin supplements.
While Jenner’s athletic and entertainment career brought him fame and success, he also used his platform to raise awareness about important issues. in the late 1980s, he became a spokesperson for the Special Olympics and has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his own experience to speak out about transgender issues.
In 2015, Jenner came out as a transgender woman, making headlines and sparking important conversations about gender identity. His bravery in sharing his story has made him a role model and inspiration for many.
Today, at the age of 71, Jenner continues to inspire others through his motivational speaking and advocacy work. He has become a symbol of strength, perseverance, and courage, showing that regardless of age or circumstance, anyone can achieve great things.
When PEOPLE magazine purposely left Jenner of their list, I think that it was obvious that the magazine not only took a very politically biased view of Jenner but was discriminatory of him as well.
Jenner has proven to be an inspirational figure in this world, even if he has taken a different directive in his life, he is still creating a positive legacy for himself and certainly other’s that look up to him for guidance and inspiration.
PEOPLE magazine should be boycotted for their biased and discriminatory views and actions. For they certainly have missed an obvious mark, and that is that Bruce Jenner is certainly one of the Greatest Olympic Athletes ever!
William Kragthorpe
7/12/2024
