by Larry EderOn Thursday, March 13, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Schul, the 1964 Olympic gold medalist at 5,000 meters. Schul is the only American EVER to win Olympic gold at 5,000 meters, and he is probably the least known living track and field Olympian.
Bob Schul is planning several get togethers in Eugene with some of his friends, and you, the track fan, are welcome to attend!
It was a pretty quiet morning. We were closing up a Nike ad run in our April issues when I received a phone call from Bob Schul.
“Larry, this is Bob Schul. A mutual friend suggested that I call.”
“Hello, Bob. You have made my day, how can I help you? ”
“Well, I am planning a reunion of sorts at the Olympic Trials. I decided, at first, that it would be just guys from the LA Track Club, then I decided that it should be people who have helped shape the world of American distance running. So, I have invited George Young ( four time Olympian, bronze medal, 1968, steeplechase), Bill Dellinger ( Oregon coach, three time Olympian, bronze medal, 5,000 meters, 1964, Jim Beatty ( American record holder, one mile indoors, two miles, LA Track Club member), Horace Ashenfelter (1952 Olympic gold medalist, steeplechase), Billy Mills (1964 gold medalist, 10,000 meters), Jim Ryun ( world record holder, 1,500, mile, silver medalist, 1968), Gerry LIndgren (Olympian, American record holder, icon), Don Bowden ( first American. The only two we could not get were the late Buddy Edelen and Max Truax. ”
Schul is planning to have free talks by the various attendees across Eugene during the Trials. He wants to have two dinners, one will be a special evening near the end of the trials ( Jim Ryun will only be there the last few days).
This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet some of the great names in American distance history. These guys were around at a time when American distance runners on the world circuit were few but amazing. From Horace Ashenfelter to Jim Ryun, Bob Schul and Bill Dellinger. These guys were American distance running when they were few in number.
I am writing this at the request of Bob Schul. He is looking for sponsors and help with this. If any of you have any ideas, please contact me at larry.eder@gmail.com
