100 Olympians are in San Jose for the reunion, including 1968 gold medallist Dick Fosbury, who revolutionized the sport of high jumping with his famous “Fosbury Flop.” Fosbury told KCBS that being in the Olympics opened his eyes and mind. Rather than dwell on differences, he said he learned how much he had in common with athletes from other countries.

”We have this relationship that brings us together,” said Fosbury. “What I’ve seen is that sports can bring people together and help us to bridge the gaps that we have in communication and politics and the gaps that are built by government.”

The past Olympians are meeting with the athletes who are going through processing in San Jose before heading to Beijing.

KCBS' Betsy Gebhart reports