Steve Prefontaine Biography
Steve Roland Prefontaine, commonly known as "Pre," was born on January 25, 1951, in the little seaside city of Coos Bay, Oregon, United States. A highly-celebrated American middle- and long-distance runner, Prefontaine quickly increased to popularity in the early 1970s as a record-setting athlete both in college and international competition. Throughout his occupation, Prefontaine set numerous national records as well as was widely thought about one of the pioneers of the American running movement throughout his time.
The eldest of three siblings, Prefontaine grew up in a working-class family members with his mother Elfriede, a German immigrant, and also his daddy Raymond, a carpenter. From a very early age, he exhibited natural athletic capabilities, playing numerous sporting activities such as football and basketball prior to uncovering his real enthusiasm for running during his time at Marshfield High School. Under the guidance of train Walt McClure, Prefontaine refined his skills and also took place to win 2 state championships in the mile and two-mile events.
In spite of not being highly-recruited by top collegiate programs, Prefontaine was at some point found by Bill Bowerman, the famous University of Oregon track trainer who would later on co-found Nike. Bowerman provided Prefontaine a full-ride scholarship to sign up with the Oregon Ducks track team.
Upon arrival at the University of Oregon, Prefontaine continued his dominant trajectory by establishing countless documents and gaining high praises from colleagues, instructors, and rivals alike. During his time at the University, Prefontaine gathered seven NCAA titles: 3 at the 3-mile range and also 4 at 5,000 meters. His phenomenal efficiencies elevated American distance going to worldwide prestige and also made him a sought-after agent at several global showing off events.
In 1972, Prefontaine competed in the Munich Olympics as a 21-year-old, completing fourth in the highly-competitive 5,000-meter race. In spite of directly losing out on a medal, his unrelenting decision and tough competition, famously known as "the Prefontaine front-running style," made him a devoted fanbase as well as intrigued the international running community.
Beyond the track, Prefontaine was very outspoken regarding the well-being of amateur professional athletes, often slamming the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for its unjust therapy of athletes. He thought that the AAU's guidelines protected against athletes from gaining a living through recommendations as well as sponsorship offers, compeling lots of to retire too soon.
Unfortunately, Steve Prefontaine's exceptional life as well as career were interrupted when he died at the age of 24 in a terrible single-car crash in Eugene, Oregon, on May 30, 1975. Following a post-race celebration, Prefontaine collapsed his sports car while driving alone, as well as the effect killed him instantly.
Considering that his unexpected passing, Steve Prefontaine's contributions to the running globe have remained to motivate future generations of professional athletes. Various publications, docudramas, and also feature movies have actually been made to recognize his life as well as tradition-- at times including people such as his trains Walt McClure and also Bill Bowerman, in addition to members of his family. Today, Pre's impact on the sport continues to be really felt as his spirit survives on through the plenty of athletes that lace up their running shoes and also chase their desires.
Our collection contains 9 quotes who is written / told by Steve.
Related authors: Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
