Jenner brings reality to Olympic trials
Bruce Jenner was back on the track, and the cameras were following him all around.
It was just like old times.
Only, the cameras were interested in Jenner the reality TV star, not Jenner the former decathlon star.
Although Jenner set world records, won at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and graced the front of a Wheaties box, these days he’s best known for his role in the TV show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” The reality series focuses on the personal lives of Jenner’s family, which includes the celebrity Kardashian sisters – Kourtney, Kim and Khloe.
Jenner was at trials as part of a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the modern decathlon, when Jim Thorpe won the 10-event discipline in 1912. Also on hand were Rafer Johnson (1960 gold medalist), along with Dan O’Brien and Dave Johnson of the famed “Dan and Dave” promotion by Reebok.
The last time Jenner was in Eugene was before the ’76 Olympic trials, just trying to secure his spot on the U.S. team. He ended up setting a world record.
Affleck enjoying the quieter life
Ben Affleck is managing to live a relatively private life in a Hollywood fishbowl.
He’s no longer tailed daily by the paparazzi, as he was when he dated Jennifer Lopez from 2002 to 2004. It was a time when entertainment coverage was starting to explode and the couple were on the cover of every magazine and tabloid, and the top story on TV entertainment shows.
“I definitely was in a tabloid cross hair,” he said in a recent interview with the Associated Press. “It mucks up your life.”
The paparazzi weren’t going to change their ways, so Affleck changed his life. He married Jennifer Garner, had three kids and cut down his “compulsive” work schedule.
But not entirely: Affleck was in Washington, D.C., this week to raise awareness for something else he holds dear – his Eastern Congo Initiative to reduce the child mortality rate in the region.
Now, the paparazzi only occasionally take photos of Affleck and Garner when they’re out with Violet, 6, Seraphina, 3, and Sam, 4 months.
“I feel like I have a chance to do the most exciting stuff that I’ve done in my career,” he said. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
The birthday bunch
Actor Al Molinaro (“Happy Days”) is 93. Actress Michele Lee is 70. Singer Arthur Brown is 68. Guitarist Jeff Beck is 68. Drummer Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) is 65. Actor Peter Weller is 65. Musician Curt Smith (Tears for Fears) is 51. Actress Danielle Spencer (“What’s Happening”) is 47. Actress Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) is 33.