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.
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.)
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.
@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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dear VirenKickedPresAss, I have seen you comment on every single Prefontaine related video. I'd like to know why you hate on Pre so much? Viren and Pre were both great runners who helped make running popular. Why cant you respect both runners? It seems to me you sit on the computer all day ranting and hating on Pre. I'd like to see you run a 13:21 5000m ;)
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
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!!
in all reality Rupp will only have another cycle of olypmic quality 5k, 10k left on the track before his body gives out that kind of speed, then will have to go to marathon and might make it back to the olympics back for a 3rd time or 4rth time, had pre lived longer he would have had at least another 3 trips to the olympics on the track, maybe 4 then going to the marathon for a possible 5th time....that is just un heard of but i think he could have done that. the capabilities were endless
@VirenKickedPresAss I think we all agree Viren had a lot of accomplishments, including winning the 5k and the 10k in '72. I just want you to admitt that steve was a great runner. And there is not going to be official evidence because he was not tested. The only evidence is word of mouth, like frank shorter who stated that he was 100% sure viren blood dopped and his consistancy in preforming much greater at the olympica then he ever did outside of the olympics.
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.
VirenKickedPresAss, It is highly suspected that Viren blood doped, not illegal but highly frowned upon, during the 1972 Olympics. He was a great athlete but on a ethical scale he didn't run as fairly as other runners like Pre for example. He had great technique in his use of bend mathematics in his race though.
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!!
You cant just look at one silver medal. Yes, PRE never won a medal but I can almost guarantee you that if PRE was still alive for the 76 olympics, he would have gotten his medal. Rupp is a fantastic runner but you have to look at the stats as a whole, not just one medal.
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!
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.
galen is older pre was only 21 when he had his one and only chance........if galen was better he would have beat pre's 19 and under record of 13:39.6 in the 5k but that record still stands!!!
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.
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.
To bad he died so young😰 if pre was still alive today he would be in his mid to late 60s. I saw a movie of him and it inspired me more my new running idle
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 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
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.
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.
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.
I don't know who's watching this in 2024 or whatever but I'll say my words This video got me through the grueling days of cross country and track. But beyond that, it felt like a way of life. The intensity. The buildup. Dominance. This video is bittersweet -- a life gone early. Yet even with that life Prefontaine had, he went out with such a unique energy. And it perfect matches Massive Attack's Teardrop. Bittersweet... Anyways, if you're a runner, you'll get it. Embrace the journey my friends and always come back to this video.
@VirenKickedPresAss Pre did not run a smart race, but he was capable of beating Viren and you know it. He led nearly the entire last mile in the Olympics. He expended too much energy during the race when he should have just settled in like Viren did and waited for the right time to make a move. You can see in the last 20m of the race that Pre had nothing left. He gave everything he had without the fear of failure and he only wanted the Gold. You have to respect him for keeping the pace honest.
Plenty of Americans have won Olympic medals. Pre is remembered for other more powerful reasons. His continued fame today is that he did what it took to be remembered truly. Rupp one a Medal and it wasn't even Gold. He'll have to do more to outlast Pre.
Why disrespect these two great champions with all this child like bickering. Viren is one of the greatest olympic champions of all time, PERIOD. Pre may have been one of the greatest olympic champions of all time. It is his legendary toughness and mind set as well as his epic 1972 Munich performance that we Americans cherish. The tragedy of his untimely death created the legend that will never be answered..........what if????????? PRE RULES.
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.
@VirenKickedPresAss And you're wrong, pre actively compeated in the 10k and in 1974 ran a p.r of 27:43. This is only 5 seconds slower then viren's world record in 1972. Show some respect for the greatest american distance runner of all time, Yes he lost in munich because he clearly, blocked the wind for the rest of the pack for the last mile of the race, but he was a hell of a runner.
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.
If you look up Beast Mode in the dictionary, his picture will be there.
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.)
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
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.
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!
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
Pre keeps me running. RIP. I'm not fast or the best, but keeping his spirit in mind gets me the distance.
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've been rewatching this video since cross country in highschool and now I'm 28. Love it
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.
There can be only one. He was it.
No doubt, Prefontaine was truly the "Dale Earnhardt" of Distance Running
Steve Prefontaine my new running idol, my new running motivation to get better
It always gives me shivers watching Steve run...
I'd give anything to have the guts PRE had. That can't be taught.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Indeed.
He’s a legend l like his run style
"Breath" in this song sounds like "Pre"?
Pre was natural, my Finn bretheren doped big time...Pre and Walter Payton, orginals that will not be seen again
My idol🐏🏃♂️
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.
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.
its amazing to this day almost 30 years have gone by, he still inspires people. LONG LIVE PRE!
I get shivers every time I watch this video. Pre lives.
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%
This was my go-to inspirational video when I was in college. It's been more than 10 years since I left college...
Gives me chills every time!
Gotta have HEART from the START; rip the world straight APART. Its the GIRTH of the EARTH, my dart will always hit its MARK.
Great video!! Two of my favorite things, watching Pre run like crazy and listening to songs from Massive Attack..
Heroes get remembered but legends never die.
I am related to Steve Prefontaine
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.
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.
Dear VirenKickedPresAss,
I have seen you comment on every single Prefontaine related video. I'd like to know why you hate on Pre so much? Viren and Pre were both great runners who helped make running popular. Why cant you respect both runners? It seems to me you sit on the computer all day ranting and hating on Pre.
I'd like to see you run a 13:21 5000m ;)
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
The video length is my mile time. Coincidence? I think not.
+Theo Kehoe He watches over you
+Lemons 909 woow coool bro youre so fast!!!!1!1!2!1
+Joey GB 4:38 4 me
+i64stupid haha funny reply
Joey GBP IK I'm a year late but same
happy birthday pre #prelives
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!!
in all reality Rupp will only have another cycle of olypmic quality 5k, 10k left on the track before his body gives out that kind of speed, then will have to go to marathon and might make it back to the olympics back for a 3rd time or 4rth time, had pre lived longer he would have had at least another 3 trips to the olympics on the track, maybe 4 then going to the marathon for a possible 5th time....that is just un heard of but i think he could have done that. the capabilities were endless
@VirenKickedPresAss I think we all agree Viren had a lot of accomplishments, including winning the 5k and the 10k in '72. I just want you to admitt that steve was a great runner. And there is not going to be official evidence because he was not tested. The only evidence is word of mouth, like frank shorter who stated that he was 100% sure viren blood dopped and his consistancy in preforming much greater at the olympica then he ever did outside of the olympics.
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.
VirenKickedPresAss, It is highly suspected that Viren blood doped, not illegal but highly frowned upon, during the 1972 Olympics. He was a great athlete but on a ethical scale he didn't run as fairly as other runners like Pre for example. He had great technique in his use of bend mathematics in his race though.
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!!
You cant just look at one silver medal. Yes, PRE never won a medal but I can almost guarantee you that if PRE was still alive for the 76 olympics, he would have gotten his medal. Rupp is a fantastic runner but you have to look at the stats as a whole, not just one medal.
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!
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.
galen is older pre was only 21 when he had his one and only chance........if galen was better he would have beat pre's 19 and under record of 13:39.6 in the 5k but that record still stands!!!
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.
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.
they will be talking about pre because he is an american hero rupp may be good but he is not hungry to be in pain like pre was
There is Secretariat and there is Pre ! Two of the greatest runners ever
To bad he died so young😰 if pre was still alive today he would be in his mid to late 60s. I saw a movie of him and it inspired me more my new running idle
Somebody may beat me today but they’re going to have to bleed to do it. Goddamn what a great saying.
No guts, no glory. Pre taught me that. R.I.P. brother.
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!
Pre lives.
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
His legacy will live forever, GO PRE!!!.
Recorded back then when cameras really were made from potatoes.
Definitely Pre. Pre was in my opinion the toughest 5000 field of history. PreLives
Go PRE RIP MAY 30
47 yrs old, just ran mile to this vid. 5:24
Run Steve, Run!
A legend what is this song called
Massive Attack - Teardrop
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!
You may beat me, but you're gonna have to bleed to do it!!
Oregon baby born and raised from eugene lije pre I run
Still come back for this video
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.
If he hadn't died just imagine the records he would have had
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.
Pre is the reason why i keep running
Same here brother. I hope ur still running til this day
greatest runner. Never was afraid of a challenge
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.
PRE was the best! Taken too soon for sure.
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 died in a car crash at 24 years old.
I always watch this before a race or to get motivated to run!
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.
Too bad he had died so young
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!
I'm gonna get that 5 minute mile.
may 30 1975 R.I.P.
My hero... Pre left it all.
Thank you for posting this special video
I don't know who's watching this in 2024 or whatever but I'll say my words
This video got me through the grueling days of cross country and track. But beyond that, it felt like a way of life. The intensity. The buildup. Dominance.
This video is bittersweet -- a life gone early. Yet even with that life Prefontaine had, he went out with such a unique energy. And it perfect matches Massive Attack's Teardrop. Bittersweet...
Anyways, if you're a runner, you'll get it. Embrace the journey my friends and always come back to this video.
I watch this before every race or if I need motivation to run!!
Thank you for re-uploading!!!!
I love your videos :D :3
@VirenKickedPresAss Pre did not run a smart race, but he was capable of beating Viren and you know it. He led nearly the entire last mile in the Olympics. He expended too much energy during the race when he should have just settled in like Viren did and waited for the right time to make a move. You can see in the last 20m of the race that Pre had nothing left. He gave everything he had without the fear of failure and he only wanted the Gold. You have to respect him for keeping the pace honest.
How can you not want to run to this steady tempo music?
Could you subscribe to my you tube channel i subbed to yours
Great job with this video. just awesome to see Pre run.
Plenty of Americans have won Olympic medals. Pre is remembered for other more powerful reasons. His continued fame today is that he did what it took to be remembered truly. Rupp one a Medal and it wasn't even Gold. He'll have to do more to outlast Pre.
Legendary
@VirenKickedPresAss I have no idea, but at the very least, Viren had another race days earlier so he could get more accustomed to the atmosphere.
@VirenKickedPresAss Pre only had 1 Olympic performance and he was very young and inexperienced. You can't hold that against him man.
Why disrespect these two great champions with all this child like bickering. Viren is one of the greatest olympic champions of all time, PERIOD.
Pre may have been one of the greatest olympic champions of all time. It is his legendary toughness and mind set as well as his epic 1972 Munich performance that we Americans cherish. The tragedy of his untimely death created the legend that will never be answered..........what if?????????
PRE RULES.
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.
@VirenKickedPresAss And you're wrong, pre actively compeated in the 10k and in 1974 ran a p.r of 27:43. This is only 5 seconds slower then viren's world record in 1972. Show some respect for the greatest american distance runner of all time, Yes he lost in munich because he clearly, blocked the wind for the rest of the pack for the last mile of the race, but he was a hell of a runner.