Records of Olympic Study - Raymond C. Nedwidek Papers (Rec. Gr. 112)

Historical note

In 1977, Dr. Raymond Nedwidek of the Department of Physical Education and Dr. Stanley Berger of the Psychology Department, both of the University of Rhode Island, proposed a study of the long-term effects of victory on Olympic medal-winning athletes. This study was three-fold in design: during Phase I, data would be collected from National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission, during Phase II, the Olympic medal winners would be interviewed, and during Phase III, a computerized data bank would be set up at URI.

In laying out the design of this study, it was determined that the scope was entirely too broad for the allotted time and money that were available to them. Drs. Nedwidek and Berger then limited the study to the United States athletes in particular, but corresponded with the Olympic Committees in other countries to determine if similar studies had ever been done elsewhere. They also contacted the members of the International Olympic Medical Commission to gather whatever information they might have collected, either in an official capacity as a member of the committee or as private medical professionals. Many athletic organizations and sponsors were also consulted as to the current status of former winners and their involvement in athletics since their particular Games.

The former athletes located were sent a questionnaire requesting information about how their lives had been changed by their Olympic victories and/or defeats and their Olympic experience in general Dr. Nedwidek traveled to California and Europe to visit with associations that kept records of athletics and athletes, visiting the San Diego Hall of Champions and the Citizen’s Savings Athletic Foundation, as well as visiting with some of the former Olympic athletes, such as Erich Kamper.

Dr. Berger died in 1984, leaving the work to Dr. Nedwidek, who was able to analyze the results of the questionnaires and the accompanying information that was received. The final report of this study was published in June of 1993.