Steve Prefontaine Biography

Steve Prefontaine was born January 25, 1951 in the small town of Coos Bay, Oregon. His father Raymond was a capenter and his mother Elfriede was a seamstress from Germany. Steve Prefontaine was a typical high school boy and wanted to play football and the traditional sports. Prefontaine though was too small for these sports and decided to run.

Steve Prefontaine started his running career at Marshfield High School and became one the most sought after runners in the United States. He was undefeated in cross country and track his junior and senior year. Pre was very versatile and could run a 1:54 800 meter to a 13:52 5000 meter race. His senior year at Marshfield High School he set the American record in the two mile run.

Coach Bill Bowerman of the University of Oregon took notice of Pre's talent and recruited him heavily. The fall of 1969 Steve Prefontaine showed up on campus and ran cross country in the fall. By the time he finished his career at Oregon University he won an impressive seven NCAA national titles: three in cross country, 1970, 1971, and 1973 and four in the three-mile in track, '70, '71 '72 and '73. Steve Prefontaine was also the first athlete to win four consecutive NCAA track titles in the same event. He also held eight collegiate records including the 3 mile and 6 mile races in which have not been broken.

Steve Prefontaine continued on with running career and made the 1972 Olympic team in the 5000 meter run. He ran a gutsy race and led most of the last mile, but ended up 4th, one place out of the medals. Pre was an icon in Oregon and people would fill the seats at Hayward Field to watch Steve run. He never lost a race at Hayward field and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. His fans would cheer from him at the mere site of him. Before it was said and done Steve Prefontaine he broke his own or other American records 14 different times.

Steve Prefontaine was also involved with his community. He volunteered at Roosevelt Junior High School and started a running club at the Oregon State Prison. He often corresponded with many of the inmates to give them hope. He was very outspoken how the Amateur Athletic Association (AAU) treated the amateur athletes. If it were not for him track and field athletes of today would not be in the bargaining position they are in.

Steve Prefontaine died on May 30, 1975 driving home from a track meet he put on earlier that day. He had just set the American record in the 5000 meter race and his MG convertible sports car hit a rock and overturned killing him. Pre was only 24 years old. The news of his death shocked the running community world wide.

Steve Prefontaine's legacy will live on forever. There have been two movies about his life and there is a track meet held in his honor every year. The Prefontaine Classic is held Hayward field featuring some of the best track and field athletes of the world. High and college runners keep his memory alive by posting some of his famous quotes on there shirts. As long as there is track and field Steve Prefontaine will always be remembered.