Chuck Darling, 1956 Olympic champion, passes away at age 91

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Charles “Chuck” Darling was born on March 20, 1930 in Denison, Iowa. Darling succeeded at every level of basketball; in high school he was All-State in Montana and Colorado. He went on to play at the University of Iowa and still holds several records for the Hawkeyes. After graduating with a degree in geology, Darling worked for Phillips 66 and was the starting center for the Phillip 66 Oilers basketball team, one of the greatest amateur teams in the nation.

He made the 1956 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, winning gold in Melbourne. Team USA won each of its games by least 30 points, with Darling averaging nine points per game. The team was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 1986.

Darling later settled in Colorado. With his wife of 68 years, he had three children and 13 grandchildren. He passed away in Littleton, Colorado on April 6, 2021 at the age of 91.

About the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers an immersive and universally accessible look into the journey of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Through interactive exhibits, innovative displays, and a comprehensive artifact collection, the Museum instills the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, as well as the Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration, and courage in every visitor. It honors yesterday’s legends with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame while inspiring tomorrow’s legends through entertaining activities and events. The USOPM is more than a museum but a life-changing experience that will continue to educate and inspire the public to take part for generations to come.

Things to Do in May at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

From celebrating moms to spending time with friends, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in May at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum!

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum returns to summer hours and pricing beginning May 24

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