Steve Roland "Pre" Prefontaine was an American middle and long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Olympics. Prefontaine held American records in seven different distance track events, from 2,000 to 10,000 meters; he died at age 24 in an automobile accident near his residence in Eugene, Oregon.
Prefontaine's career, alongside those of Jim Ryun, Frank Shorter, and Bill Rodgers, generated considerable media coverage, which helped inspire the 1970s "running boom." He was known for his mustache and his long locks of hair that parted as he ran.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
Tom Jordan, Pre: Americas Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine, ISBN 0875964575
