The running revolution: Frank SHORTER
When American Frank SHORTER crossed the marathon finish line at the Olympic Games Munich 1972, he sparked the popular wave of marathon running!
1970 : Frank Shorter court autour de la piste. (1972) by Getty ImagesThe Olympic Museum
Frank SHORTER
Born in 1947, Frank SHORTER was an undefeated American champion in cross-country during his school years.
He made his debut at the prestigious Fukuoka Marathon in Japan, winning it four years in a row between 1971 and 1974.
Munich 1972 – L’arrivée de Frank SHORTER (USA) dans le stade olympique (1972) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
Munich 1972
On 10 September 1972, Frank SHORTER won the marathon in his hometown. (His father served as a military doctor at a base there). It was the first American medal for this distance since 1908 when Johnny HAYES won! Thanks to SHORTER, the marathon became synonymous with grace.
Perfectly relaxed, elegant and with no visible signs of suffering, his performance gave hope to the American people that running the mythical distance of 42.195 kilometres was finally within reach. The image of the suffering marathon runner, which had been seen for decades, would completely change.
Munich 1972, marathon Hommes – Frank SHORTER (USA) 1er (1972) by IOPPThe Olympic Museum
Munich 1972 – Frank SHORTER recalled:
"The whole second half, I kept hitting my pace. I had the talent to go out fast, by myself, and ride the pain. I learned that from watching Derek Clayton and Ron Clarke, but it was also something I internalised from my childhood."
Munich 1972 – the fake competitor
The marathon's finish was disrupted by an impostor who entered the Olympic Stadium ahead of Frank SHORTER. Despite the silence of the crowd, the American remained confident that he would win gold because he knew no runner had overtaken him.
Munich 1972, marathon Hommes – Cérémonie des médailles, Karel LISMONT (BEL) 2e, Frank SHORTER (USA) 1er and Mamo WOLDE (ETH) 3e (1972) by IOPPThe Olympic Museum
The podium
Frank SHORTER clinched the Olympic title in a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 19 seconds, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of the reigning European champion, Karel LISMONT from Belgium, and almost three minutes ahead of the 1968 Olympic title holder, Mamo WOLDE from Ethiopia.
Montreal 1976 - Marathon Hommes - Frank Charles SHORTER (USA) 2ème et Waldemar CIERPINSKI (GDR) 1er (1976) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
Montreal 1976 and New York 1976
Silver medallist at the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, a few months later SHORTER lent his support to the New York Marathon, which took place across all five boroughs of the city for the first time. He finished second behind Bill RODGERS (USA) in a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes and 12 seconds.
Passing on the torch
Frank SHORTER retired from competition in 1977. He founded his own clothing company and worked as a television sports commentator.
He also played a role in establishing the United States Anti-Doping Agency, serving as its chairman from 2000 to 2003.
For more information about the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, visit https://olympics.com/museum
