Ben Nighthorse Campbell

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (born April 13, 1933) is an American politician. He was a U.S. Senator from Colorado from 1993 until 2005 and was for some time the only Native American serving in the U.S. Congress. Campbell was a U.S. Representative from 1987 to 1993, when he was sworn into office as a Senator following his election on November 3, 1992. Campbell also serves as one of the 44 member Council of Chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Nation.

Education and Olympic competition

After returning to the United States, Campbell attended San Jose State College (now San Jose State University), where he joined the judo team, a sport he first participated in as a teenager. He received a bachelor's degree in physical education and fine arts in 1957. Campbell later studied Japanese culture at Meiji University in Tokyo as a special research student from 1960 to 1964. While in Japan, Campbell continued to return to the United States to compete in judo competitions, winning three U.S. national championships and a gold medal at the 1963 Pan American Games.

Related Topics:
United States - San Jose State College - Judo - Bachelor's degree - Physical education - Fine arts - 1957 - Japanese culture - Meiji University - Tokyo - 1960 - 1964 - Japan - 1963 - Pan American Games

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Campbell was the captain of the U.S. judo team in the 1964 Summer Olympics, competing in the open weightclass. Campbell won his first round match, but seriously injured his knee during his second round match, ending his judo career. Campbell was chosen to carry the American flag during the closing ceremonies, after swimmer Don Schollander was unable to attend. Campbell remained involved in judo as an instructor, and wrote the judo training manual Championship Judo Training Drills, published in 1974.

Related Topics:
1964 Summer Olympics - American flag - Don Schollander - 1974

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