Honor The Champion

To the Editor:

In 1976 Bruce Jenner accumulated 8,617 points to win the renowned decathlon – an event that comprises 10 different track-and-field events – and won by the contestant amassing the highest total score. From 1912 to 1996 only 19 athletes have won this honor. Bruce Jenner’s 8,617 points is higher than that of the great Jim Thorpe’s 8,413 points (Thorpe was later disqualified). And, Jenner accumulated more points than all of the other 18 competitors through the years except tow. So, Bruce Jenner accomplished an outstanding achievement for the record books and for us to celebrate.

As we read daily in the newspapers and see on TV, celebrities are not always pleasant to their admirers or fans. They are often besieged by the press and others who want money from them. Certainly their response or lack thereof is a mystery to those of us who are not in the limelight.

In 1976 Bruce Jenner was the very best athlete in the 10 events of the decathlon and that is why the stadium was named as it is. Newtown stadium should retain the name of Bruce Jenner, in honor of the decathlon champion of that year.

Sincerely yours,

Charles E. Pilchard

6 Poor House Road, Newtown                                     October 10, 2000