Mal Whitfield teaches javelin techniques to Laotian physical education instructors, 1963
Vientiane, Laos

Recognizing the power of sports diplomacy, the United States Information Agency, which later became part of the U.S. Department of State, began sending American athletes abroad in 1955. As one of the first global sports ambassadors, “Marvelous” Mal Whitfield, a five-time Olympic medalist, worked for 47 years as a coach, goodwill ambassador, and athletic mentor, traveling to 132 countries.

Bureau of Educational and Historical Affairs Papers (MC 468), box 347, folder 31. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Special Collections