Olympic Gold Medalist to Debut New Book at APU Invitational

It has been nearly four years since Bryan Clay captured his first Olympic gold medal in the decathlon, and while the journey to Olympic gold was marred with challenges, the reigning “World’s Greatest Athlete” is hoping to add another chapter to his story–the Olympic Games in London.

As Clay, a Glendora resident, hopes to once again represent the USA in this summer’s Olympic Games in London and add to his gold from Beijing and 2004 silver from Athens, Clay is telling his story–one of a rebellious child who overcame drug use and a dysfunctional youth to become a devout Christian and a world class athlete.

Clay will debut his autobiography, Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, A Praying Mother and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Cougar Athletic Stadium on the Azusa Pacific University campus., 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa.

The book signing will occur during the Sixth Annual Bryan Clay Invitational Track and Field Meet, where Clay plans to compete in several events as part of his preparation and training for the summer Olympics.

Redemption chronicles his road to gold from a troubled teen growing up in Hawaii to the discovery of his Christian faith he says turned his life around. Clay also offers an inside look into the track world and his perspective on the superstardom that seemed to elude him following the 2008 Olympics.

But Redemption focuses on the journey ahead for Clay and the positive outlook he says he has on his training, his goals and his future.

Although Clay is the defending Olympic champion, track analysts say he will have his work cut out for him if he is to reclaim his gold medal. The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries since his gold-medal performance in Beijing. A hamstring injury forced him out the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. While sidelined with injuries, other young and upcoming track stars such as Trey Hardee and Ashton Eaton have edged Clay in latest USA decathlon rankings.

Still, with a grueling workout schedule at his alma mater Azusa Pacific University, and a fervent belief in his faith, Clay is determined to make Team USA and defend his gold medal. Medaling in London will earn him the distinction as the only decathlete to win three consecutive Olympic medals.

“All I have to do is offer my best. God takes care of the results,” says Clay.