Video - Pre in the LA Mile

I'm not positive on this obviously, hard to tell details from that video, but Pre likely was running for the "Oregon Track Club" at the time of this race, after using up his eligibility (or was it because he had dropped out? I'm not sure...) Anyway, their track singlets looked very similar to the school ones, just a different logo.

I would love to get a video/cd of Prefontaine's major races; from his big high school wins t his last race in 1975. X-C, track, indoor, etc. I think there would be a market for it if someone could put it together. Phil Knight, are you listening?

gh wrote:

I'm not positive on this obviously, hard to tell details from that video, but Pre likely was running for the "Oregon Track Club" at the time of this race, after using up his eligibility (or was it because he had dropped out? I'm not sure...) Anyway, their track singlets looked very similar to the school ones, just a different logo.

From this list of his spring '73 races, Pre was obviously still running for the university and still a student after the video was made in the winter of '73. Whether he was officially running for the university in that indoor meet is another question.

Oregon Invitational 3/31/73 Eugene 2 Mile 8:31.8 1st

Vs. Washington 4/7/73 Eugene Mile 4:03.2 1st

Quadrangular 4/14/73 Eugene Mile 3:56.8 1st

Quadrangular 4/14/73 Eugene 3 Mile 13:06.4 1st

Oregon Twighlight 4/27/73 Eugene Mile 3:55.0 1st

Vs. Oregon St. 5/5/73 Corvallis 3 Mile 13:27.2 1st

Pac-8 Championships 5/19/73 Eugene 3 Mile 13:10.4 1st

Oregon Twighlight II 5/29/73 Eugene 2 Mile 8:24.6 1st

NCAA Prelim Heat 6/7/73 Baton Rouge 3 Mile 13:19.0 1st

NCAA Finals 6/9/73 Baton Rouge 3 Mile 13:05.3 1st

AAU Prelim Heat 6/14/73 Bakersfield 3 Mile 13:17.8 1st

AAU Finals 6/16/73 Bakersfield 3 Mile 12:53.4 1st

One interesting bit of minutiae about that video is that it is his last season wearing Adidas gear (note the jacket in the interview).

Thank you so much it is a superb video and shows the brilliance of one of America's greats Prefontaine.Very enjoyable!

The Year Was 1973 wrote:

Thought some might enjoy this vintage footage, so here is the post...

Amazing video...!!! What a sweet race.

awesome thats the first time i think i herd predontaine speak.

As you all know I was just being a little snooty as obviously Pre could run just fine with Americas best TODAY!

This video just about brought tears to the eyes. Pre and Shorter were always gentleman and humble as I remember. When asked if he was scared of someone what did you want him to say! "Oh yes Im frightened to run against him" Come on! These are very consistent times. And AH..OH! AH OH! what is this 12:53 3 MILE! That can't be right he could not do that! That would mean he had 176 yards to go for 5k! Yards not meters. Correct me if Im wrong but I only remember USA best times in last year as about Goucher 13:09 and Dobson 13:14 and Hall 13:16? ( I could be wrong but I got to be close) NAH impossible! Just kidding, thanks for the video what a joy to see him, he was just starting what a loss!

love pre

Anyone know the name of the blonde guy who comes up and pats him on the back after race just beyond the finish line?

ThankYouSeb wrote:

Anyone know the name of the blonde guy who comes up and pats him on the back after race just beyond the finish line?

Looks like Tracy Smith

This is one great Video. This proves PRE was one big arrrss! Listen to the arrogant Pre at the end in the interview. This needs to go to Dyestat

cool. one of the few times oregon guy beat villanova guy.