This part of the site is dedicated to great American runners and their inspirational races in running history. Let their dedication and triumphs spur on our training.
Billy Mills
In 1964 this largely unheraded Native American won the 1st and only 10,000m (6.2 miles) Gold Medal for the United States. In a stunning comeback he outkicked Ron Clark, the favorite to win, in sprinting to the Gold Medal in Tokyo's Olympic Stadium. Check out a great black and white video clip of Mill's last lap of the 10k below
Frank Shorter
Frank Shorter is the only American to ever win two Olympic Medals in the Marathon (26.2 miles). In 1972 he won the Gold Medal at the Munich Olympics and then in 1976 he won the Silver Medal. He is credited, along with others, in starting a running boom in the 1970's. Below is short clip with highlights from his 1972 Gold Medal Race in Munich, Germany. I LOVE the Olympic Theme music in the background.
Joan Benoit Samuelson
Joan Benoit Samuelson won the first ever Olympics Marathon race for woman during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. No American Woman has won the Olympics Marathon since. Below is a clip of her finishing the 1984 Marathon
Shalane Flanagan
After winning the Olympic Trials in the 10,000m in 2008, Shalane matched the best ever American finish at the Olympics with a 3rd place Bronze Medal finish in Bejing. She recently won the 2012 U.S.A. Olympic Trials Marathon and hopes to be the first American woman to win the Marathon since Joan Benoi Samuelson. Below is a highlight video from the 2012 Olympic Trials marathon. You may recognize Ryan Hall (2nd place in the Men's Marathon) from his Asics commercial.
Steve Prefontaine
Steve Prefontaine was a running phenomenon during the late 60's and early 70's. He died way to young in a car accident. His life has been documented in a few movies and his legend lives on. Below is one of his most famous races, the 5,000m (3.1 miles) at the 1972 Munich Olympics. In the final laps Pre pushed the pace only to come up a just short of medaling in 4th place. Although he got 4th place the race is still a joy to watch because you get to see someone lay it all on the line for the Gold. It is the essence of competition.
Nick Symmonds
Nick is a current U.S. runner that specializes in the 800m and 1500m. He has won the 800m in the Olympic Trials in 2008 and again in 2012. Hopefully he will get on the medal stand in London. He usually runs from behind with a hellacious kick. The 2008 race below is one of my personal favorites because it shows that running is all about heart and determination. Pay attention to the guy who gets 3rd behind Nick.