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.

Post-Collegiate (1974-1975)

Following the University of Oregon he set his sights on the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, setting American records in every race from 2000 to 10,000 meters.

Related Topics:
1976 Summer Olympics - Montreal

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On May 30, 1975, on the return from a party down a familiar road, Prefontaine's car swerved right and hit a rock wall along the side of the street. Trapped under his overturned car, Prefontaine died at age 24. There are speculations as to how he actually managed to lose control of the vehicle. Some say he was trying to change the radio station, while others say he was intoxicated at the time as he partook in drinking earlier that night, a practice that was not uncommon to him.

Related Topics:
May 30 - 1975

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