About the Book: 1972

The book 1972 is an insider’s view of the people and times that shaped millions of lives around the world. 

It begins with a runner, a half-miler, who lived a Cinderella story, who was present in the birthplace of Nike. It was a time before women and the general public were allowed to participate in road races; before jogging became a national pastime; before Nike had become a world-recognized sports brand.

Prior to 1972, a lone runner on the street was target practice for tossed beer bottles and mockery. But all that changed due to names like Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight and Steve Prefontaine, in the small university town of Eugene which was the catalyst for jogging to catch on around the world and Hayward Field became the hotbed of world-caliber competitive running.

1972 proves that individuals can have a larger impact than what seems possible. This is an insider’s account of a life well-lived; searching for purpose; pursuing curiosity and learning fast; being in the right place at the right time.

The book is broken up into three sections: Running, Transition, and Nike.