Olympic champion signs unique item

CEDAR RAPIDS - Shawn Johnson signed lots of autographs and took almost as many pictures with fans.

One item she was asked to sign resembled what vaulted her into the national spotlight.

Jim Schulte, of Cedar Rapids, received a medal for his work during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and Johnson added her signature to its red, white and blue ribbon at the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic on Monday at Elmcrest Country Club.

"That was really impressive," said Schulte, who was there with his son and grandchildren. "It's really neat."

Schulte was a local IBM employee in 1984, and was specifically selected to help with the support team for two of the computers the company donated while sponsoring the Olympics. He worked with former Major League Baseball Commissioner and United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth.

Schulte recalled taking his entire family on the trip. They enjoyed other activities together. None were related to the Olympics.

“I never did go to any events because we were so busy,” Schulte said. “I did take the family to Disneyland and stuff like that.”

When he did have a moment, Schulte opted for other events. A lifelong Dodgers fan, he attended their home game against the Cincinnati Reds instead of the opening ceremonies. Schulte said the streets were empty with many at or at home watching the start of Olympics start. They returned to their hotel next to the host venue, and had a good seat after all.

“We got to the seventh floor and had a beautiful view of the L.A. Coliseum,” Schulte said. “We sat there in our chairs and could see the opening ceremonies out our windows.

“That was a great experience.”

Schulte received the medal (and a pin from former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch) for 10 weeks of service. The token has more sentimental meaning to Schulte, who will return it to a spot next to the awards and trophies of his son, Rod.

"It's probably valueless (but) it's just mine," Schulte said. "To have a gold medalist from Iowa sign it was great because there's not many. Dan Gable is, but he's not here today."

Johnson, a Des Moines native, said she has grown accustomed to signing various items at appearances. She said she didn't think it was the first Olympic medal she has been asked to autograph. Seeing one Monday was a surprise.

"It's definitely a rare occasion," said Johnson, the 2008 balance beam champion at Beijing, China. "It was an honor. I am just trying to make the best experience for everybody out here."