Hall of Fame

Dan O’Brien is an American former decathlete and Olympic gold medalist at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, the first American winner in the event since 1976. Born in Portland, O’Brien was adopted at the age of 2 and won four state track titles, while earning all-state honors in football and basketball. A three-time world champion, O’Brien overcame a number of challenges, including Attention Deficit Disorder, a stress fracture and a drinking problem. O’Brien won the decathlon at the 1994 Goodwill Games and later, the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996. The University of Idaho named its track and field facility the Dan O’Brien Track & Field Complex in 1996. O’Brien later worked as a motivational speaker, color commentator and guest analyst. He also worked closely with the United States Olympic Committee as part of its Olympic Ambassador Program to mentor younger athletes.