Work : Lose social status 1972 (Placed fourth in Olympics)
Death:Death by Accident 30 May 1975 (Crushed by car, age 24) chart Placidus Equal_H. Work : Prize 1983 (Oregon Sports Hall of Fame)
Social : Great Publicity 1998 (Release of biopic: "Without Limits")
American extraordinary athlete and track icon of the 70s, the fastest American in history. Although he set many new records in track, he suffered defeat in the 1972 Olympics. He was the first athlete to sign a contract with the shoe manufacturer Nike, helping to make Nike a household word. As a kid, Prefontaine spent thousands of hours running through the streets of Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, turning into Track Town USA. With the aggressive mentality of a football player and the muscular build of a wrestler, distance running was the sport at which he excelled. As a high school senior in Coos Bay, OR, he set the national prep record for the two-mile run. Then, at the University of Oregon, he set seven national records and at one time was the fastest American in history at every distance from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. While he won more than 75 % of his races during his eight-year career, he finished fourth in his only try for an Olympic medal at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Prefontaine signed a contract with Nike for $5,000 to wear their shoes. In his first race with the new shoes, the companys trademark swooshes (which had been glued to the sides) came loose and fell off. Popular with his peers, Steve helped others and was an outspoken critic of inefficient sports officials. Dedicated to his sport, he was calm and tough, ferocious in his loyalties. A slow learner, he had not much confidence in school. As a star, kids loved him. After winning a track race in Eugene earlier in the day and then attending a post-meet party, Prefontaine, in the wee hours of 30 May 1975 lost control of his gold MGB convertible coming around a turn and crashed into a rock wall. The sports car flipped over, crushing him. He was 24. Steve Prefontaines life story has been detailed in two dramatic films, 1997s "Prefontaine" (starring Jared Leto as Prefontaine) and 1998s "Without Limits" (starring Billy Crudup as Prefontaine), as well as the 1995 documentary film "Fire on the Track." Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Born: January 25, 1951 in Coos Bay, Oregon, USA
Died: May 30, 1975 (aged 24) in Eugene, Oregon, USA
Steve Prefontaine was an American middle and long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Olympics. He held American records in seven different distance running events from the 2,000 meters to the 10,000 meters during his career, and he once held the world record at 5,000m. Tragically, his life and promising career were cut short in a car accident at the age of 24. He remains a significant figure in American running culture.
Prefontaine's aggressive running style and outspoken advocacy for athletes' rights made him a popular and controversial figure. He challenged the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and its restrictive rules regarding amateurism, seeking greater autonomy and financial support for athletes. His rebellious spirit resonated with many, and he is considered a precursor to the professionalization of track and field.
Numerous books, films, and documentaries have been produced about Prefontaine's life and career, including the films "Prefontaine" (1997) and "Without Limits" (1998). The Prefontaine Classic, an annual track and field meet held in Eugene, Oregon, is named in his honor and is one of the premier track events in the world.
While Steve Prefontaine predates the age of social media, abundant information about him can be found online through various sources:
Although he did not have a personal social media presence, his legacy continues to be celebrated and discussed by fans and runners worldwide through various online platforms.
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