When he ran, people stood up and chanted his name:
Steve PrefontaineHe was the future of running, although already the best. Nobody could beat Steve Prefontaine at any race over a mile for one reason: he had to win.
Even if the fans weren’t chanting his name, the record books were. In 1975, coming off his first Olympics, first place individual finishes in three NCAA XC and four straight NCAA Track & Field Championships, Pre held the American record in every event over a mile: 2000m, 3000m, 2-mile, 3-mile, 10000m, and 6-mile. All this at the young age of 24.
But it was in May, that same year, in which running would change forever. The young, brash, Prefontaine, who had not yet even reached his athletic peak, died in a tragic car accident.
Today, more than 25 years after his death, he continues to inspire runners across the world with his impressive times, memorable quotes, unique running ability, and most of all, his desire to win.
Coming soon.