Tom Waddell  (1937 - 1987)

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Gay Olympian: The Life and Death of Dr. Thomas Waddell by Tom Waddell, Dick Schaap (Contributor), Greg Louganis (Introduction)

Tom Waddell perhaps did more to flout gay stereotypes than any other American. He was not effeminate; he was a world-class athlete. He was also a phenomenon--a revelation to mainstream America when he appeared with his lover in People and on ABC's 20/20 when he was dying of AIDS. Now, celebrated sports writer Dick Schaap teams up with Waddell to offer an inspiring biography.  

"Tom Waddell always planned on writing a book on his life. He thought he had more time, in life, to write about his life. However, his life was abruptly ended at the age of 49, before he could complete his journal about his life. ABC Sportscaster Dick Schapp completes Tom's dream of writing a book. Schapp first became interested in Waddell's life at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Waddell competed against U.S. Decathalon Champion Bill Toomey. While Waddell didn't win a medal, his time at the Mexico City Olympics was somewhat controversial. Waddell campaigned against the opression of African-Americans, in the Southern United States, and drew fire from the U.S. Olympic Committee. In his personal life, Waddell was also making news. After coming out of the closet, Waddell organized what was to have become the "Gay Olympics". However, the U.S. Olympic Comittee would not allow Waddell to use the word Olympic in the title of the games. That litigation began an ongoing legal battle that would not be solved until Waddell's death. In his personal life, Waddell was also controversial. He wanted a child so much, that he and a lesbian conceived what would become his daughter Jessica. He and Sara, another Olympic Athlete, later married. Waddell's dream of seeing his daughter grow up never materialized. He was one of the first to become infected with the HIV virus, and died in 1987. "Gay Olympian" is a moving account of Waddell's life. his love of life, sports, medicine and his daughter. Dick Schapp combines Waddell's Journal to his daughter with the story of Waddell's life. It also paints a disturbing picture of the vindictiveness of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the pain the organization caused in his life. I highly recommend this book" -- Anonymous Review

Tom Waddell Biography

From the Knitting Circle.  

Excerpt:

Founder of the Gay Games. Olympics decathlete and Gay Games track and field athlete

Studied ballet as a child before deciding to pursue athletics instead, but he later discontinued athletic training to concentrate on his medical studies at university. He was drafted into the army, but was opposed to the war in Vietnam and managed to avoid going to war. He began training for the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games with other military athletes. He trained at the age of thirty for the decathlon in three months, whereas it usually takes four years. He was placed sixth.

He came out publicly as gay in 1976 in the American People magazine...

A Brief History of the Gay Games

This page is a tribute to Doctor Tom Waddell, his vision, his courage, and his dedication to achieving his personal best; ideals which live on in the spirit of the Gay Games.

Better Understanding Through Sports

By Tom Sullivan 

Excerpt:

Thomas Joseph Michael Flubacher was born on November 1, 1937 in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the second of three sons born to Elmer and Marion Flubacher. At a young age he was befriended by Gene and Hazel Waddell. Gene was a vaudevillian acrobat, and his wife was a dancer. They fueled Tom's interest in gymnastics and dancing. His closeness to the Waddells led to his decision to change his last name while he was in college.

Tom Waddell will be best remembered for the inspired creation of the Gay Games - a quadrennial arts and athletics festival that welcomes participation by anyone wishing to participate. His guiding principal for the event was "to do one's personal best is the ultimate goal of all human achievement." He believed that participation was of greater importance than winning.

The first Games took place on August 28 - September 5, 1982 in his adopted home town of San Francisco. Despite numerous obstacles and logistical challenges, the Games went on and have perpetuated in large part through the momentum of the determination of its founder. At the second games in 1986, Waddell competed with distinction despite his ongoing battle with HIV/AIDS...

Gay Games Sydney 2002 

Information about the 2002 Gay Games and Cultural Festival to be held in Sydney, Australia. Includes descriptions of sporting events and cultural and performing arts events, a list of government and corporate supporters, and details about Sydney's bid to host the games.

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