1968 Track and Field News: Complete Year (Steve Prefontaine) Bob Beamon by Staff Written - 1968

Bert Nelson, Publisher, 1968. Hardcover. Very Good. Bound volume of 1968 Track and Field News. Complete year of 18 issues with covers. Includes the track and field holy grail: the first national media appearance in print of mid-distance running legend Steve Prefontaine, then a junior at Marshall High School, in an article titled "Junior Prefontaine 4:13.8" and appearing in the April 1968 issue. Prefontaine also makes several appearances in results articles. Notably, 1968 fell into the heart of the Golden Era of mid-distance running and included such high profile runners as Jim Ryun (then considered the greatest mid-distance runner in history), Kip Keino (gold medalist at the 1968 Olympics), Marty Liquori, Dave Wottle, Ron Clarke, Billy Mills, Frank Murphy, and Frank Shorter, all of whom make numerous appearances in photos and in print in these issues - and of course many others. Also of note are O. J. Simpson photographed passing a baton in a relay race and Bob Beamon, who won the Mexico City gold medal in the long jump, smashing the existing world record by leaping an utterly miraculous 29' 2 1/4", a record unchallenged for the following 23 years. Exceptionally detailed coverage of Beamon and generally of the 1968 track and field portion of the Olympics, spanning several issues. Bound in tan cloth with North West Conference Hall of Fame inductee's name stamped in gilt at bottom corner of front panel. His copy. All issues tight and unmarked with light age toning and faint musty odor. Issues individually numbered. A very presentable compilation of an important track and field collectible. Photographs of or additional information about this item are available on request. All inquiries answered promptly.