Fire on the Track:
The Steve Prefontaine Story
Posted May 7th, 2007 at 2:50 PM by Sarah Mandell
Section: Motivation, Movies, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Fire on the Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story is a motivational documentary about the success of a young runner from Coos Bay, Oregon. Prefontaine’s story, told through live footage, photographs, and accounts from his competitors, friends, and family, greatly assisted in understanding the awe and inspiration that was Steve Prefontaine’s ; also known by his loyal fans as “Pre.”
At a young age Steve stuck out for his energy towards life. He appeared born to be an athlete, but in junior high he was told that he was too small for contact sports. So instead of heading down the wrong path, he found a sport that he could participate in, running. When Prefontaine began running his goals were mighty for a boy from Coos Bay, stating that one day he was going to go to the Olympics. His mother recalled missing many games due to her busy work schedule, until one day a woman approached her and said, “you really need to go to those meets, your son is Olympic stuff.”
In Prefontaine’s junior year of high school, Oregon’s track and field assistant coach, and three- time Olympian, Bill Dellinger went to see Prefontaine, and was amazed by his talent and determination. By spring of 1969 Prefontaine had set the national 2-mile record, and had become a nationwide star. However, he had not yet received the one thing he was looking for, a letter from the head coach of University of Oregon’s track and field team, Bill Bowerman.
Bowerman recalled his hesitation in pursuing any athlete, in fear of swelling their head, or realizing that they were not going to perform to the level expected. Prefontaine finally received his letter, but first headed to Miami for a shot at the U.S National Team. Jeff Johnson, photographer for Track and Field News, recalled seeing the small young boy in the midst of high ranked athletes. 1972 gold medalist Frank Shorter remembered hearing of Prefontaine his senior year of high school, and being impressed in the fact that his mile was better. In 1969 Prefontaine made the AAU international team in his high school uniform, started his freshman year at the University of Oregon, and made the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Mac Wilkins, 1976 gold medalist, and teammate, recalled the jealousy that many had over this 18 year old, cocky, boy. In 1971, Prefontaine was closing in on making the Olympic team, as well as won 21 straight collegiate meets, broke the American 3,000 and 5,000 meter records, and was the NCAA cross country champion. Prefontaine’s rising stardom could not have been at a better time, when running was the world’s second most popular sport, and the advancements in shoes and track conditions were on the rise.
Prefontaine not only stuck out for his talent, but for his spirit and determination. His entire life was running, training twice a day, every day. Wilkins remembered Steve turning down dates with the prettiest girls on campus because of his dedication to training. Prefontaine was particularly remembered for his rebellious behavior. He spoke very publicly against the injustices and hypocrisy of the AAU, who unlike European organizations, took very poor financial care of their athletes, leaving Prefontaine on food stamps.
Prefontaine’s determination and fire shined through when he qualified for the 1972 Olympics in Munich. However, Prefontaine’s Olympic high abruptly came to an end when Israeli athletes were captured by Palestinian terrorists and killed. Coach Bowerman recalled the struggle he had in moving Prefontaine past this tragic event. As they showed the footage from that memorable Olympic 5,000 meter race, I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by the determination Prefontaine had as he took the lead, with one mile to go. Unfortunately, Prefontaine didn’t go home with a medal, but he did return to Eugene, Oregon with a new sense of maturity.
He finished his final season at the University of Oregon, and as expected, exceeded all limits. He beat the American record for the six mile, ran best ever collegiate distance double, and won fourth NCAA 3 mile title, which had never before been accomplished by a collegiate runner. He went four years never missing a practice, never missing a race, and always pushing himself to the fullest. The ITA, a new professional track circuit at that time, offered him 2,000 dollars to join their ranks, but he refused, with goals of taking home the gold in 76, and stating, “I run better when I run free.”
His final race was another rebellion against the AAU. Prefontaine brought the National Finish Team to Eugene for a meet. His real motivation behind planning this race was to have a rematch with Lasse Viren, who took the gold in 1972. Viren at the last minute couldn’t make it, but the meet was a success, and the athletes celebrated afterwards at Jeff Hollister’s house. Frank Shorter recalled his final words with Prefontaine. They discussed the possibility of the AAU finally changing their rules, and planned to go for a run the next day. Unfortunately, the next day Shorter was awakened by a shocking phone call. Steve had died in a fatal car accident, at the young age of 24 years old.
As Wilkins eyes filled with tears, he recalled his inability to leave Prefontaine’s funeral, unwilling to face reality and say goodbye. World record holder, and Olympian, Dick Buerkle spoke of the brotherhood that he felt with Prefontaine, not because of their closeness in friendship, but because of their shared work ethic and love for the sport.
Fire on the Track is not just a documentary of a great runner, but also a remembrance of what it means to be a great athlete, an athlete who lives and breaths for his sport. Prefontaine ended his career holding all 7 American records between 2,000 and 10,00 meters.
However, Pre’s legacy goes far beyond these records; serving as a role model to millions of runners who admire and try to emulate the heart, determination, spark, and connection he made with those who trained with, competed against and watched this legendary competitor. Despite his tragic and premature death, Pre’s spirit has, and will continue to, invigorate and propel athletes to reach their potential and embrace their inner fires.
To purchase Fire on the Track from Amazon.com, please click here.
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Tags: Bill Bowerman, chariots of fire, coach bowerman, fire on the track, four minutes, Frank Shorter, inspiration, jeff hollister, lasse viren, motivation, movie review, movies, oregon, pre, review, running brave, running movie, running movies, saint ralph, Steve Prefontaine, TFS review, university of oregon, without limits
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