Pre died 20 years before I was born, but yet he is still a huge inspiration to me in terms of running, but even as a person. Pre lives FOREVER in the hearts of every single runner in the United States now and centuries to come. His spirit, personality, and most of all his attitude towards a race will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Steve Prefontaine.
@Richard Milliken Well, I am not a big Viren fan so I won't be convinced. Prefontaine was only 21 in Munich, far from the peak age for a distance runner. Not so sure given a second chance at Viren that he wouldn't have beat him in 1976. Sadly if he didn't win in 76 he would have had to sit out 1980 because of the boycott, when he probably would have been at his peak.
@Richard Milliken Pretty good analysis. The rumors surrounding Viren are one of the reasons I was not a big fan of his. Maybe he was innocent, but it always seemed a little curious to me that he really seemed to excel in the Olympics but not too much outside of the Olympics. As far as Prefontaine goes, I do think he might have lost a little motivation following the 1972 Olympics, but I am just speculating. It was a tough loss. He was still young however, so it is hard to say how he would have done in his late 20s and early 30s. I still remember the day when I heard the news of his death. So sad! I always admired him and his competitiveness!
My buddy Eddie and I worked the long jump pit at the San Diego Indoor Games in Spring of '75, and got to meet our idol, Pre. It was after he won his race, and he handed us his spikes, and a watch he won for the win, while he took his victory lap. He made two 17 year old nobodies feel like a million bucks. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live. He died in that awful wreck not long after that night. So sad. I would try and run with that insane ferocity Pre had, that drive, but just did not have the talent or the courage to pull it off. What a warrior spirit he brought to distance running. Never back off, never quit. I am so grateful to have met the man, if only for a fleeting moment in time.
Pre was a couple of years older than me. And yes, we all wanted to be milers like Ryun. He did make the 3 mile his own and probably would have set WRs in the marathon later. Go out there and do your best, we all have a little more to give if you dig a little deeper. One lap, one more mile. "One more!" - Jason Pisano
I was channel surfing one afternoon 11 years ago, happened upon "Without Limits". After watching I thought, "Why don't you get off your ass, start running again, get in shape, and do the best you can". Long story short, I dropped 40 lbs. got faster, enough to win/place in my age group in some races. I made the Pilgrimage to Pre's Rock, placing the running bib from my first victory on it, thanx to Steve Prefontaine.
I remember reading Pre's intense comments " They may beat me but they'll have to bleed to do it. I remember hitting the wall many a time and struggling to get through it. (When I did, I thought I ran with the Angels). That is how I would describe the runners high.)
New to running and was wondering why ppl in Portland were always talking about this guy, so I've been doing my homework. what an awesome community this is. Years later people are still coming on here to watch him run. Rip pre Totally enjoyed the comments!!
Man I love that tune by Massive Attack. It is their incredible Song in the House MD Intro. Haunting Lyrics, timeless in their import. This is great Pre highlight Vid. Thanks so much.
It was one of the longest standing track & field records on the books... an incredible feat. Pre would be happy for Rupp if he were still alive today. Nothing can take away the guts that Pre brought to every race.
I get really nervous before races, or even time trials. I know that in order to do well, it hurts. Watching this video rids me of my nerves and, in a way, prepares me for the pain.
he had a controlled crazy look. Like in the movie when he told bowerman he hated those other runners breathing down his neck. He ran to distance himselves from other runners by a large amount not just win at the end. Determination is putting it lightly.
i hate when people say "well, pre lost this, and pre lost that" pre is not an icon solely for his talent, but that with that talent on a world stage he displayed one of hell of a philosophy and charisma.
Regardless of medals won, Rupp is a completely different athlete. There will never be another Prefontaine. Nobody has his guts. He didn't run on the kind of talent that Rupp has and he didn't have Salazar maximizing his talents. He ran with his heart and courage on cinder tracks. No one will ever be Pre. No one.
I don't think Pre will ever be forgotten. But to say that Rupp will be a footnote 50 yrs from now? Rupp is still young and has done some amazing things on the track. I love everything that Pre stood for. They will both be remembered for their own reasons. I don't think it should be a competition for who is remembered more.
steve prefonaine was amazing. its not about who starts out first or who wins, its about who finishes, who has the guts. He had enough heart to finish and with flying colors, he was made for running, he had the talent. Faster than any of my schools cross country teams times his high school years, including the seniors who have been running since like 4th grade. He is my inspiration for running and just because viren beat him doesnt mean in the long run(if Pre was still living)... cont.
Naw bro, even though Rupp won a medal I'm sure Pre's legacy will be remembered more. He is still my favorite distance runner and most likely always be. Most of the motivation that I've acquired has come from him. RIP to both Pre and Pat Porter, who died not so long ago.
Cross country and Track are the BEST sports ever!!! Running is the very simple, but racing is complex. I'm glad the movies expressed that. Prefontaine was a great runner and one of my heros
I was a collegiate athlete. At that level, honestly, it comes down to two things. Working harder than everyone else, and your mental attitude. Pre had them both. What a heart.
i got to seem him run the 2 mile at the sunkist indoor meet in los angeles in 1974. everyone were on their feet the whole time chanting "go pre, go pre". of course he blew the field away. next year he died.
ill quote bill dellinger last words of a 1995 FOT track interview. "pre was by far the best runner this country has ever seen" he coached many great runners and was the last american to medal 5000m in an olym games. i'll trust opinion. prefontaine is the one USA dis runner that you measure yourself against. undefeated at hayward field at any distance over a mile. even his mile race losses he made entertaining by pushing the pace against runners in their specialty. need i say more fans @ critics?
Steve Prefontaine was a GREAT athlete, he would have won Olympic medals, for that there is no doubt. "The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die." - Steve Prefontaine awe-inspiring
Pre was THE BEST runner of his time, him losing at the olympics does not change that fact, it would be impossible for a runner to never lose! Pre was the most celebrated runner at 5000 who never lost at that distance in college! Viren was good but no one had what Pre had!
Rupp might have won a silver but Pre was definitely the better runner, Pre was so ahead of the American standard being able to set so many American records and he would have definitely gotten a medal the following Olympics if it wasn't for his accident. RIP- PRE!!
He died two months before inwas born. Always had knee problems from football, double acl repairs. Now almost 47 and did first 5k in 17:21. I am same size as pre. Interesting to see my body get faster. Knees feel great. Never stop
If these were just white dots on a blank black screen, and these dots were racing across the screen; you'd still know who is Pre is. He'd be the one in the lead.
One of the reasons pre is so famous, is that he would've earned a medal. Heck he would've earned a gold medal. He knew that, everyone knew that, but he finished before he got the chance.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
I'm a big fan of pre. So don't take this the wrong way when I say this but I think a major part of the reason why Pre will probably still be more remembered than Galen Rupp even though Rupp won a silver medal is because of the big running boom that went on in the 70's especially in America. Track and field and cross country in some ways aren't as popular as they were in the 70's and I was screaming when Rupp won a medal I was so happy. Both pre and Rupp are incredible runners.
Pre was just such a star and a true inspiration, I've been working on a graphic novel about him and you can check out a video I've just uploaded with information about the book and to help spread the word about my Kickstarter campaign for my graphic novel about Pre called The art of Running: The Steve Prefontaine Story, so if any Pre fans fancy checking it out and helping to spread the word about it that would be great. Go Pre! Cheers Matt
lemme tell you ninjas about my man steve prefontaine, he be da badest runna in the world... killing viren was a quest, setting american records was a goal, but running. running was life.
Pre died 20 years before I was born, but yet he is still a huge inspiration to me in terms of running, but even as a person. Pre lives FOREVER in the hearts of every single runner in the United States now and centuries to come. His spirit, personality, and most of all his attitude towards a race will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Steve Prefontaine.
Pre, your my hero, your hanging on my wall so every time I wake up I remember to stay positive and to believe in myself. I love you Pre
I've been rewatching this video since cross country in highschool and now I'm 28. Love it
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Indeed.
Pre keeps me running. RIP. I'm not fast or the best, but keeping his spirit in mind gets me the distance.
Life won't be the same Postfontaine
Love this. You need to be top comment
Thanks for the laugh lol
It never was. He would have won the gold in Montreal for sure!
@Richard Milliken Well, I am not a big Viren fan so I won't be convinced. Prefontaine was only 21 in Munich, far from the peak age for a distance runner. Not so sure given a second chance at Viren that he wouldn't have beat him in 1976. Sadly if he didn't win in 76 he would have had to sit out 1980 because of the boycott, when he probably would have been at his peak.
@Richard Milliken Pretty good analysis. The rumors surrounding Viren are one of the reasons I was not a big fan of his. Maybe he was innocent, but it always seemed a little curious to me that he really seemed to excel in the Olympics but not too much outside of the Olympics. As far as Prefontaine goes, I do think he might have lost a little motivation following the 1972 Olympics, but I am just speculating. It was a tough loss. He was still young however, so it is hard to say how he would have done in his late 20s and early 30s. I still remember the day when I heard the news of his death. So sad! I always admired him and his competitiveness!
My buddy Eddie and I worked the long jump pit at the San Diego Indoor Games in Spring of '75, and got to meet our idol, Pre.
It was after he won his race, and he handed us his spikes, and a watch he won for the win, while he took his victory lap. He made two 17 year old nobodies feel like a million bucks. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live.
He died in that awful wreck not long after that night.
So sad.
I would try and run with that insane ferocity Pre had, that drive, but just did not have the talent or the courage to pull it off. What a warrior spirit he brought to distance running.
Never back off, never quit.
I am so grateful to have met the man, if only for a fleeting moment in time.
It always gives me shivers watching Steve run...
Pre was a couple of years older than me. And yes, we all wanted to be milers like Ryun. He did make the 3 mile his own and probably would have set WRs in the marathon later. Go out there and do your best, we all have a little more to give if you dig a little deeper.
One lap, one more mile. "One more!" - Jason Pisano
its amazing to this day almost 30 years have gone by, he still inspires people. LONG LIVE PRE!
Pre ran with more guts than anyone else in the running world
Except everyone faster and tougher than him.
I was channel surfing one afternoon 11 years ago, happened upon "Without Limits". After watching I thought, "Why don't you get off your ass, start running again, get in shape, and do the best you can". Long story short, I dropped 40 lbs. got faster, enough to win/place in my age group in some races. I made the Pilgrimage to Pre's Rock, placing the running bib from my first victory on it, thanx to Steve Prefontaine.
Heroes get remembered but legends never die.
I remember reading Pre's intense comments " They may beat me but they'll have to bleed to do it.
I remember hitting the wall many a time and struggling to get through it.
(When I did, I thought I ran with the Angels). That is how I would describe the runners high.)
If you look up Beast Mode in the dictionary, his picture will be there.
Gives me chills every time!
New to running and was wondering why ppl in Portland were always talking about this guy, so I've been doing my homework. what an awesome community this is. Years later people are still coming on here to watch him run. Rip pre
Totally enjoyed the comments!!
Bro is a true legend. Inspires youngsters even today. Rip Goat! You redefined running. ❤❤
Steve Prefontaine my new running idol, my new running motivation to get better
I get shivers every time I watch this video. Pre lives.
Great video!! Two of my favorite things, watching Pre run like crazy and listening to songs from Massive Attack..
He’s a legend l like his run style
No guts, no glory. Pre taught me that. R.I.P. brother.
Man I love that tune by Massive Attack. It is their incredible Song in the House MD Intro. Haunting Lyrics, timeless in their import. This is great Pre highlight Vid. Thanks so much.
Pre es un maestro, me cambio la vida desde que supe de el.Desde el cielo me ayuda en cada carrera y en cada paso que doy.
This was my go-to inspirational video when I was in college. It's been more than 10 years since I left college...
greatest runner. Never was afraid of a challenge
It was one of the longest standing track & field records on the books... an incredible feat. Pre would be happy for Rupp if he were still alive today. Nothing can take away the guts that Pre brought to every race.
There can be only one. He was it.
Jesus Christ, what a beautiful runner. Stunning.
I get really nervous before races, or even time trials. I know that in order to do well, it hurts. Watching this video rids me of my nerves and, in a way, prepares me for the pain.
A once great runner, he broke records and awed everybody with his talent. After all that he died suddenly in a car crash. We will miss Pre.
Hard to believe 45 years ago we lost arguably our best middle distance runners! He was an idol of mine growing up RIP Steve May 30th 1975!
he had a controlled crazy look. Like in the movie when he told bowerman he hated those other runners breathing down his neck. He ran to distance himselves from other runners by a large amount not just win at the end. Determination is putting it lightly.
His legacy will live forever, GO PRE!!!.
Pre an inspiration to everything human, A Visionary ,an Artist , a man who found meaning in the persuit of extrodinary
i hate when people say "well, pre lost this, and pre lost that" pre is not an icon solely for his talent, but that with that talent on a world stage he displayed one of hell of a philosophy and charisma.
Those Guts...! I want more of them! ... Steve, you keep inspiring me.
My idol🐏🏃♂️
Regardless of medals won, Rupp is a completely different athlete. There will never be another Prefontaine. Nobody has his guts. He didn't run on the kind of talent that Rupp has and he didn't have Salazar maximizing his talents. He ran with his heart and courage on cinder tracks. No one will ever be Pre. No one.
I don't think Pre will ever be forgotten. But to say that Rupp will be a footnote 50 yrs from now? Rupp is still young and has done some amazing things on the track. I love everything that Pre stood for. They will both be remembered for their own reasons. I don't think it should be a competition for who is remembered more.
Pre is the reason why i keep running
Same here brother. I hope ur still running til this day
I always watch this before a race or to get motivated to run!
steve prefonaine was amazing. its not about who starts out first or who wins, its about who finishes, who has the guts. He had enough heart to finish and with flying colors, he was made for running, he had the talent. Faster than any of my schools cross country teams times his high school years, including the seniors who have been running since like 4th grade. He is my inspiration for running and just because viren beat him doesnt mean in the long run(if Pre was still living)... cont.
My hero... Pre left it all.
Naw bro, even though Rupp won a medal I'm sure Pre's legacy will be remembered more. He is still my favorite distance runner and most likely always be. Most of the motivation that I've acquired has come from him. RIP to both Pre and Pat Porter, who died not so long ago.
Definitely Pre. Pre was in my opinion the toughest 5000 field of history. PreLives
Favoriting this so I can watch it before my runs.. pure inspiration.
Cross country and Track are the BEST sports ever!!! Running is the very simple, but racing is complex. I'm glad the movies expressed that. Prefontaine was a great runner and one of my heros
Prefontaine Forever!!! Insane runner
Great job with this video. just awesome to see Pre run.
When I run and i think of Pre and his accomplishments and his inspiration It just makes me go faster and harder! Pre Lives!
Pre lives! The greatest runner ever
Thank you for re-uploading!!!!
Thank you for posting this special video
There is Secretariat and there is Pre ! Two of the greatest runners ever
I was a collegiate athlete. At that level, honestly, it comes down to two things. Working harder than everyone else, and your mental attitude. Pre had them both. What a heart.
i got to seem him run the 2 mile at the sunkist indoor meet in los angeles in 1974. everyone were on their feet the whole time chanting "go pre, go pre". of course he blew the field away. next year he died.
Run Steve, Run!
Still come back for this video
I watch this before every race or if I need motivation to run!!
I'd give anything to have the guts PRE had. That can't be taught.
ill quote bill dellinger last words of a 1995 FOT track interview. "pre was by far the best runner this country has ever seen" he coached many great runners and was the last american to medal 5000m in an olym games. i'll trust opinion. prefontaine is the one USA dis runner that you measure yourself against. undefeated at hayward field at any distance over a mile. even his mile race losses he made entertaining by pushing the pace against runners in their specialty. need i say more fans @ critics?
Steve Prefontaine was a GREAT athlete, he would have won Olympic medals, for that there is no doubt.
"The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die."
- Steve Prefontaine
awe-inspiring
He is truly the legend of American distance running
Pre was THE BEST runner of his time, him losing at the olympics does not change that fact, it would be impossible for a runner to never lose! Pre was the most celebrated runner at 5000 who never lost at that distance in college! Viren was good but no one had what Pre had!
A great example of guts and mental toughness in a runner.
this is the best video on youtube!
Rupp might have won a silver but Pre was definitely the better runner, Pre was so ahead of the American standard being able to set so many American records and he would have definitely gotten a medal the following Olympics if it wasn't for his accident.
RIP- PRE!!
Legendary
RUN STEVE RUN!
The best
He died two months before inwas born. Always had knee problems from football, double acl repairs. Now almost 47 and did first 5k in 17:21. I am same size as pre. Interesting to see my body get faster. Knees feel great. Never stop
Yes! Way to go Raymond!
If these were just white dots on a blank black screen, and these dots were racing across the screen; you'd still know who is Pre is. He'd be the one in the lead.
He had so much potential. It's sad that he died at such a young age.
I am a sprinter but this man is still inspiring as fuck!
the way he carried himself is an inspiration to everyone in all sports and all professions. do it 100%
HIs stride was a joy to watch. His style was fluid.
Steve Prefontaine is my hero!
happy birthday pre #prelives
Pre lives.
he inspires me
One of the reasons pre is so famous, is that he would've earned a medal. Heck he would've earned a gold medal. He knew that, everyone knew that, but he finished before he got the chance.
Major love.
Pre is one of my running heroes Go Pre!
I'm currently working on a graphic novel about Pre and I'll be launching the Kickstarter very soon.
Very well said! Pre Forever!
good job with this video.. pre's legend will never die.
Amazing. It's 4am and now I want to run! Thanks.
Rupp just broke a legend. Hope he feels good about himself. PREFONTAINE is NUMBER ONE.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
awesome vid. he was a cold blooded all or nothing assassin. very motivating and inspiring to watch
I'm a big fan of pre. So don't take this the wrong way when I say this but I think a major part of the reason why Pre will probably still be more remembered than Galen Rupp even though Rupp won a silver medal is because of the big running boom that went on in the 70's especially in America. Track and field and cross country in some ways aren't as popular as they were in the 70's and I was screaming when Rupp won a medal I was so happy. Both pre and Rupp are incredible runners.
Pre was just such a star and a true inspiration, I've been working on a graphic novel about him and you can check out a video I've just uploaded with information about the book and to help spread the word about my Kickstarter campaign for my graphic novel about Pre called The art of Running: The Steve Prefontaine Story, so if any Pre fans fancy checking it out and helping to spread the word about it that would be great.
Go Pre!
Cheers
Matt
Somebody may beat me today but they’re going to have to bleed to do it. Goddamn what a great saying.
lemme tell you ninjas about my man steve prefontaine, he be da badest runna in the world... killing viren was a quest, setting american records was a goal, but running. running was life.
may 30 1975 R.I.P.
Thank you, Pre.
I LOVE PRE!!!!! ONE OF MY HEROS!!!!! AMAZING GUY! WISH I COULD OF HAD THE EXPERIANCE TO MEET THE GUY OR EVEN RUN WITH HIM!
Born before the techno age. His runs would be on every channel and commercial.
I am related to Steve Prefontaine
I watch this every time im about to go run
I love your videos :D :3
talent i wish i had.