Re: t-and-f: Meanwhile back at the hall of fame....

[Geoff Pietsch]

Tommie Smith in Mexico City in '68. His race was beautiful but it was his courage and dignity - with black gloved fist raised and head bowed - that gave me chills. I still get them when I see that photo.

For an older distance runner, Mills in Tokyo in '64 showed Americans could compete. Shorter taking gold in Munich and Rodgers first Boston win - in his white gloves and hand-lettered shirt - inspired thousands - millions? And, for younger guys who didn't know it - Shorter's win was especially memorable since ABC cut-off live coverage when he was at about 22 miles (they'd covered the whole race until then). We had to wait two hours - from noon until 2:00 (Eastern time) as I recall - to see if he'd held on. He had a big lead but his breakaway at 9 miles was scary - like Joan's in LA. even earlier in the race.

The most exciting race I ever saw in person was the Trials 10K in '76 when Gary Bjorklund ran the last 3 miles with one bare foot and managed to outkick Rodgers for 3rd behind Shorter and Virgin and make the team. The Eugene crowd was incredibly loud.
Geoff Pietsch







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