5 Inspirational Steve Prefontaine Quotes

Steve “Pre” Prefontaine (1951-1975) was an American track athlete renowned for his tenacious, all-out effort in competition and his bold advocacy for athletes’ rights.

Pre cited diet, rest, and training as the key factors to successful running, noting that all three must be consistent. He never missed a workout during his four years as a runner in college.

During his collegiate career at the University of Oregon, Pre won seven NCAA titles: three in Division I NCAA Cross Country championships and four in three-mile track.

A 22-year-old Steve Prefontaine was signed as Nike’s first star runner in 1973, a year after he competed in the 5000-meter final at the Munich Olympics.

Pre set American records in races from 2000 meters to six miles before tragically dying in a car accident at just 25 years old.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below.