Steve Prefontaine

American long-distance runner (1951–1975)

Steve Roland Prefontaine (January 25, 1951 – May 30, 1975) (nicknamed Pre) was an American distance runner. He ran in college for the University of Oregon and coach Bill Bowerman.

Steve Roland Prefontaine "America's Greatest Distance Runner"
Born
Steve Roland Prefontaine

(1951-01-25)January 25, 1951
Coos Bay, Oregon, United States
DiedMay 30, 1975(1975-05-30) (aged 24)
Eugene, Oregon, United States
Cause of deathCar accident
Other names"Pre" "World"
OccupationRunner
Known forLong-distance runner, track and field runner

Prefontaine ran the 5000 meter race at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. He finished in fourth in that race which was the only time he ran in the Olympics.