Steve Prefontaine was one of the greatest distance runners of all time and arguably the greatest American runner ever. Know simply as "Pre" he amazed crowds as they watched him run. He is an idol to distance runners everywhere. He was an outstanding high school distance runner at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay and some of his records still stand. In his career at the University of Oregon he won four consecutive NCAA titles in the 5000 meters. He competed in the 1972 Olympics but was out sprinted in the end by some of the best kickers in his time. After this disappointing 4th place finish in the Olympics he was determined to put it behind him and look towards the '76 Olympics. After winning the 5000 at the NCAA prep invitational in May of 1975, he died in a single car accident when his MG convertible roadster flipped on top of him and he suffocated. He died May 30th, 1975. He was only 24 years old. His death was a great loss to the sport of Track & Field and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest runners in the history of the sport.
I recently met Steve Prefontaine's roommate Pat Tyson who roomed with Pre at the University of Oregon. He said Pre was a very determined man. He worked very hard at what he did and always believed that you always,no matter what, have to try to do your best. This is best described in a quote by Steve Prefontaine.
If you want to visit his place of death its in Eugene, Oregon, on the east side of town on Skyline Blvd. There is a rock with various items left by people near it. Most recently, a plaque was placed by the rock also. There is also a statue of the Great Prefontaine there.
It's very odd, but when anyone talks about Pre the room is dead silent. No matter if it's in a small group of 10 or a huge group of 1,000 people no one there would dare interrupt the speaker. All eyes fall upon the speaker as if he is preaching. Steve Prefontaine is a man who will be remembered forever.
