Steve Prefontaine

Steve Roland Prefontaine (January 25, 1951 - May 30, 1975) was an American Olympic runner born in Coos Bay, Oregon. He competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Prefontaine was primarily a long distance runner, and at one point held the American record in every running event from the 2000 meters to 10,000 meters. Prefontaine was killed on May 30, 1975 at the age of 24 in a car accident.

Marshfield High School (1966-1969)

As a freshman at Marshfield High School, Prefontaine initially found limited success in his attempts at sports, although he found some success in his attempts at cross country running, placing 53rd in the state meet. Determined to improve, Prefontaine undertook a high-mileage training plan during the summer. The plan was ultimately successful, and the following year he placed 6th in the year-end state meet.

Related Topics:
Sports - Cross country running

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He continued rigorous training at the end of the cross country season in preparation for the track. His training was too strenuous and the overworked Prefontaine failed to qualify for the state meet. However, his junior and senior years proved highly successful, with Prefontaine winning every meet, including state, and setting a national high school record his senior year in the two-mile race with a time of 8:41.5.

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