My Marathon: Reflections on a Gold Medal Life

Frank Shorter · John Brant

Jul 2016 · Sold by Rodale Books

About this ebook

My Marathon: Reflections on a Gold Medal Life is a revealing memoir by Frank Shorter, the father of American distance running. After winning the 1969 NCAA title in the 10,000 meters during his senior year at Yale, Shorter went on to win a staggering 24 national titles on track, road, and cross-country courses, but it was in the marathon that Shorter achieved his greatest fame and recognition.

At the 1972 Munich Games, Shorter won the Olympic marathon finishing more than 2 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. Four years later, he finished a controversial second in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Montreal. The controversy, still unresolved to this day, revolved around the East German “winner” being a possible drug cheat. Shorter later founded the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Written with noted sportswriter John Brant, My Marathon details these inspiring events, as well as the physical and emotional abuse Shorter suffered as a child. 

This inspiring memoir is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the transformative power of sports.

Ratings and reviews

Though I suspect this book might only appeal to a very narrow niche, if you are, like me, a 61 year old who who's first memory of running was watching Frank Shorter win the Olympic Marathon in 1972, and who's favorite running icon was Steve Prefontaine, and who's favorite writer is Kenny Moore, then you will enjoy this book as much as I did. So well written that I thought Kenny Moore was the ghost writer (he wasn't, it was John Brant) the book shines a light on Shorter's troubled childhood and his subsequent successes and passion to make a difference. I hope you enjoy this book. I did.

As a 12 year old child, I remember watching Frank win the gold medal in Munich, and I have been a fan and followed his career ever since. What an utter shock to learn of his horrific childhood! It truly is an amazing story regardless if you are a fan of the sport or not. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks they "can't". Through Frank's story, the reader believes anything is possible! This book is just another gift he has given us! I I am inspired to begin writing my own story.

About the author

FRANK SHORTER is the winner of 24 national championships and the 1972 Olympic marathon. A frequent contributor to nationally televised broadcasts of distance running events and an advocate for children’s rights, Shorter was elected to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984. He lives in Boulder, CO.

JOHN BRANT is a freelance sportswriter whose work has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing seven different times. A frequent contributor to Runner’s World magazine and the author or coauthor of three previous books on running, he lives in Portland, OR.