Discus throwers are an obscure lot. They turn in a circle and throw a 4.4-pound plate into the air—the furthest throw wins. Al always said to me, “It’s not rocket science, just a bunch of big guys playing games in the fresh air.” Al was more than just successful playing on those fields—he was the first and only person ever in the history of the Olympics to win four gold medals in successive Games and set unprecedented Olympic records each time. Never favored to win, he barely made the Olympic teams, but his competitors, whom he respected, knew that he would always be at his best when the Olympics came round every four years. For sixteen years Al spun and threw endless times, balancing his athletic life with work and family—each complimented the other.

Our lives were so interwoven we moved as one—the New York City “rat” as he fondly called himself and the Iowa farm girl. It was a blending that surpassed all proportions. Our friend, JJ Cochrane always attributed the success of our marriage to our ability to “support each other as individuals, which creates an incredible union.”

During the final years of his life, Al became a self-taught abstract artist and a good one at that. Al wanted to figure it out for himself and have great fun on the journey, never mind that I was an art teacher.

Al and I were dismayed about the ‘winning is everything’ attitude permeating society. In 2006 with no fanfare, Al decided to have an art show with fellow Olympians and called it Art of the Olympians. (The United States Olympic Committee so appreciated Al and all he stood for, both on and off the field, that they granted him the use of the word “Olympic,” a word protected by an act of Congress. Though corporations pay millions for the privilege, no one but Al has ever been granted the word’s use.) A small local team of capable volunteers gathered to make our inaugural show a huge success. Fifteen international Olympian artists participated, showing their sculptures, paintings and photographs at the Ft. Myers’ Alliance of the Arts. It was the largest art opening in their 25-year history. Students from local schools came to hear Olympic heroes talk about the importance of art and culture in life and how sport parallels art. Teacher Carolyn Gora told the show’s curator after her classes’ field trip, “The students talked about this experience as they boarded the bus and all the way back to the school. Weeks later they continued to be excited. This never happens.”

The following year, I recall watching Art of the Olympians grow much like the volunteer corn that sprouts up in fields of oats or soybeans. It just kept flourishing. In like manner, Olympians continue striving and giving long after their playing days are over. Working side by side with Al and our international family of artists I began to understand this concept of excellence—Olympians by nature have the uncanny ability to strive to perform at their best. We wanted to take that year’s harvest and share it with the children who hunger for proper role models and mentors.

Recognizing its importance on a national scale, Art of the Olympians continued the exhibition in New York City. The CBS Early Show broadcast their visit, they were featured on the Panasonic Astrovision Screen in Times Square every hour for the entire month and successful shows were held at the New York Athletic Club, The National Arts Club and the United Nations. They were showing the world how Olympism brings people together by promoting cultural exchanges in addition to sport. A Panasonic reporter asked, “Who are you people? How did you jump from Ft. Myers to the art capital of the world?” The answer is simple: Olympians are motivated to excel. It is part of the human condition.

I said to Al, “We could get a 10’x10’ office for $300 a month and operate Art of the Olympians.” He looked at me as if I was from another planet and I gave him the same stare right back. Without hesitation he replied, “If we do this, we do this right. We need at least 10,000 square feet for a proper permanent headquarters.” What did I expect? I was married to an Olympian! No use planting just a packet of seeds when the whole field requires a wagon load. I slowly crept out of my 10’x10’ space and got to work.

Art of the Olympians became a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation. Working with city governments to secure our status was tedious and frustrating at times, just as the cornfields have their drought and rainy seasons. In the end we finally secured a 20-year lease on that 10,000 square foot building Al envisioned. And though we still have a lot of money to raise for renovations, it sits right on the riverfront in historic downtown Ft. Myers, Florida, awaiting its revival as a living center where our children can learn valuable life lessons, becoming outstanding citizens who understand the inward motivation that fuels them. Eventually, Art of the Olympians will take the show and its artists to other communities around the world.

The early Greeks had it right: winners epitomize the best in culture, sport and intellect— those well-rounded individuals who contribute to society and the human endeavor. In an interview Al said, “I’ve thrown for forty-five years on an average of 10,000 throws a year. That’s 450,000 throws and not one of those throws has ever been perfect. There was always something else I could have done to make the prior throw just a little bit better. I think if we attack life in that same manner we can do some wonderful things on this earth.”

Al died on October 1, 2007 and my life was altered. Some may call it “change” but I prefer to believe that my life continues to accelerate with his passing, like the endless rows of corn that sprout and grow year after year. Being married to Al was a gift and one I won’t waste.

Away from the cornfields of Iowa, I now continue my runs along the beaches of southwest Florida. The sand feels like the same old gravel from those country roads. Instead of endless rows of green, I now observe the infinite drops of water in a rich sea of life.

Opportunities can present themselves anywhere and at any time. My desire continues to fulfill the dream of a man admired by many, but never more dearly than me. His dream became my dream, my opportunity to help move the world forward. His inspiration continues to pulse through the very core of my being. Art of the Olympians is a program for a world that needs to bring back those ancient Olympic ideals of fair play and being at one’s best in life. As Al said before he died, “I didn’t set out to beat the world; I just set out to do my absolute best.”

Our program book sums it up perfectly: “Art of the Olympians is more than a display of artwork. It is a lesson for the youth of the world that dreams can come true for those who dedicate themselves to achieving what they set out to do in life. On behalf of all the Olympians from the various Games, we wish to offer you a challenge; lift your heart to understand others and lift your hand to make the world a better place for all of us.”



About the Author
Cathy Oerter won numerous national titles in track and field, made several USA international teams and started the women’s track program at her Alma matter, Iowa State University in 1970. After graduating with a B.A. in art education and graphic design, she taught high school art in New York and Seattle. Cathy trained in Natural Movement Dance in London and holds workshops in Australia and England for children and adults.

Cathy serves on the board of Art of the Olympians, an organization that she helped found with her late husband. A vegetarian for 33 years, her greatest joy in life comes from looking for the special gifts in all people.