Original horse whisperer
Decorated equestrian Russell lands in S.A. Sports Hall of Fame.
By John Whisler, jwhisler@express-news.net
Updated 12:52 a.m., Sunday, January 8, 2012
Slug: Hall of Fame/Col. John Russell-Photo Request 55685-December 1, 2011-Leon Springs, Texas-Col. John Russell of the Russell Equestrian Center has participated in and coached Olympic pentathalon athletes since 1948. He will be inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. Photo: Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special To The Express-News / ROBIN JERSTAD 210 254 6552
Bob Nieman was still years away from becoming the first and only American to win a world championship in modern pentathlon, years away from becoming a three-time Olympian, when he realized he had a problem.
A natural swimmer, the Air Force Academy graduate quickly took to running, pistol shooting and fencing. But when it came to the sport's fifth discipline — riding — there was a major hurdle to clear.
Nieman had never been on a horse.
That changed in 1973 when he came to San Antonio to begin training under Col. John Russell. Just watching his mentor ride helped Nieman overcome his fears.
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