Thirty-one years ago today Eugene was turned upside down by the death of arguably Oregon’s greatest star, Steve Prefontaine, when his car flipped over and pinned him underneath at the age of 24. One week later the Hayward Field Restoration Meet was titled the Prefontaine Classic, which was most recently held at Hayward Field on Sunday for the 34th straight year (32nd since being changed to the Prefontaine Classic).
Track’s newest sensation and perhaps biggest name, sprinter Justin Gatlin, tied meet and Hayward Field records during his section of the 100-meters in 9.88 seconds. He watched Asafa Powell, with whom he shares the world record in the event with a time of 9.77, win the second section with a time of 9.93.
Despite a downpour prior to and during the start of events, 13,331 fans were in attendance and lined the fences. After his record performance, the star made his way to the interview tent and went through the routine. Afterward, Gatlin started to walk away, but I had one question that I needed answered: As today’s biggest track star, how much do you know about Steve Prefontaine, perhaps the biggest star in the sport in his time?
“I’ve seen his movies,” Gatlin said with a smile.
He continued to say how much he admired Prefontaine and his accomplishments. Gatlin pointed out that the near-record attendance is a tribute to such a legacy.
“He has the crowd behind him. … I think his colors are green and gold. I’m trying to get my colors to black and gold,” the 24-year-old Gatlin said.
He went on to say that he had planned to wear a “Stop Pre” T-shirt after his victory, but couldn’t find one in time.
Most college students, especially ones nearing graduation, are close to the same age that Gatlin is and Prefontaine was when he died. If you died today, would a stranger be talking about you in three decades?
Gatlin is working on establishing his legacy, while Prefontaine’s is picking up steam. Who could predict that 31 years after his death, a time longer than he was alive, people from across the country that most likely never saw an actual race that Prefontaine was in would travel to Eugene, buy a “Pre Lives” T-shirt and attend the Classic?
Prefontaine was a larger-than-life figure much like Elvis. He was great when he was alive, but since his death, his legacy has become immortal. Fathers tell their children stories of a man who had more guts and willpower once he laced up spikes and hit the track. Now those children, many of whom are in college, will someday share the legacy that they witnessed. Maybe not by watching Prefontaine run, but by seeing his impact on the community years after his death.
In a day and age when football and men’s basketball rule this town, the Prefontaine Classic proves that Eugene’s sports scene was built on track and field. The biggest events are coming back to Hayward Field, the renovations are about to begin and soon enough track will be back in the spotlight in Eugene. Thanks Pre.