Steve went to Oregon at Zen12 the time of the protests against the war in Vietnam. He appreciated his good fortune: "Man, if it wasn't for running I'd be dodging bullets in 'Nam instead of training for Munich."He visualized his success frequently both on his own and in the company of his girlfriend: "You really know how to sweet talk a girl." Mac Wilkins, the great discus thrower, thought he was a "cocky little mother."But the head coach knew his cocky attitude was worth its weight in gold: "I'd like to bottle it and force feed it to the rest of you guys." The coach knew Steve had the heart of a winner and was motivated by the desire to win.His room mate commented: "Back then everyone had either dope or beer. Pre's drug was winning at everything." Steve's words to the press were sometimes arrogant. The assistant coach told him that, as a result of his words, every athlete in the country would be gunning for him. "Bring them on." Steve replied.He always made time for kids "He saw himself in their little faces." But he wouldn't let a nine year old beat him in a race. "You can't let a losing mentality creep in here (pointing to his brain). All my life people have said to me: 'You're too small, Pre; you're not fast enough, Pre; give up your foolish dream, Steve.' They forgot something: I have to win."His girlfriend commented about him: "He always had a great need; just an endless need; it came from somewhere." Steve had a huge desire or need to win and to be the best. He is the only man to have held every American record between 2000 and 10000 metres. This has never been equaled.At the Munich Olympics in 1972, Israeli athletes were taken hostage and then murdered. The Games continued nevertheless and Steve Prefontaine was given a chance to win gold in the 5000 metres.


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