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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (July 6, 1972)
Dream realized in final event Munich. II worked a miracle for Bruce Jenner—a 22-year-old from tiny Graceland College in laimuni. Iowa. The obscure decathlete burst by the leaders in the 1500 meters Tuesday the final event in the Olympic Trials decathlon-and slashed nine seconds off his lifetime best, running 4:16.9. For Jenner, who ranked no better than fifth or sixth in the nation this season coming into the Trials, it was good enough to make the team. “I gotta call my parents," he laughed, still searching for an ex planation to his storybook finale. I was 11th after the first day and I told them I had a chance for maybe fifth or sixth.” Ilis prediction would have bee . much closer if it hadn’t been for a fine 207-31 i heave in the javelin, the ninth of 10 grueling events. It gave him hoo points and suddenly he found himself in fifth place, behind Jeff Bannister. Jeff Bennett, Steve Gough, and Fred Samara. It was 127 points from the Olympics. "I never thought 1 had a chance until I heard the scores after the javelin," he said. "When 1 started the 1500,1 knew I had a chance." It meant a frantic finish after 13 hours of competition in Hayward’s searing 95-degree temperatures Bannister and Bennett could coast with their places secured. For Gough, Samara, Andrew Pettes, and Jenner, it decided everything Jenner ran a 2:22 first half and wasdisatisfied with the pace. “I thought it was too slow I wanted about a 2:17. Then, with little less than a lap left, the PE major from Sandy Brook, Conn, made his run to Munich. He blew past Bennett and Bannister and opened up a 35-yard lead. To secure third place, he would need a mark six seconds under his lifetime best Instead he ran nine seconds faster, got 682 points, and was America’s third man in this event by a scant 24 points over Gough Bannister, the champion with a world leading 8120, was surprised at the way it came out ■ I wouldn’t have bet on it," he smiled. "I guess the guy who was in the best shape came through ” But Jenncr's performance, which must rank as one of the most inspiring of the Trials, was perhaps better explained by Army's Bennett the runnerup. Somebody told him of Jenner’s feat—chopping nearly 10 seconds off a lifetime best He nodded "You can do that when you have to though I took six seconds off mine at the AAU (to win). "To tell you the truth,” said Bennett, “I thought anybody’d win but who won I was thinking about Gough and Pettis. 1 didn’t even consider Jenner. Few did "My first day was decent, but not exceptional,” said the jubilant Jenner "I didn't have any exceptional events except the 1500." Ilis previous best was 7678 points in the decathlon, and as late as the NAIA championships he was an unheralded third place. And as late as 12V4 hours into the competition, nobody gave him a thought. But in an Olympic year, storybook finishes arc the order of the day. Olympic team Decathlon 1. JEFF BANNISTER, 8120 2. JEFF BENNETT, 8076 3. BRUCE JENNER, 7846 4. STEVE GOUGH, 7822 (alternate) s < Full color Foster A Track & field theme •* Foster B Olympic stadia j|| theme Prices: $2.00 each, including postage and handling (shipped unfolded in protective mailing tube). $3.50 for both posters. Order from Track & Field News Box 296, Los Altos, Ca 94022 Receive a Free 10' drink at the EMU With this coupon and the purchase of a $1.30 Box Lunch Containing: 3 pieces of Chicken Coleslaw Roll & Honey We also serve Hamburgers Sandwiches to go Shakes F loats and more The Great Northwest Art Supply has moved to 720 E. 13th (next to the Dairy Queen) 343 - 5725 Greatiy expanded stock Lower prices for EVERYONE ★ Macrame & Rug Making Supplies ♦o arrive the first of July Monday-1 nursday 10:00 am - 6:30 pm Friday -Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm The Eugene Hotel Presents 2 Nights of NOSTALGIA Then and Now featuring MUSIC WITH THE "BIG BAND SOUND" As Played By The Band Of RONNIE KEMPER starts at 8:30 SPECIAL DINNER DANCE & SHOW Fri. July 7 - Sat. July 8 2 Floor Shows - 10 p.m. ft We suggest reservations Call 344-1461 Midnight ^0 0 6 fi 5 * FTf ff HUTCH’S Bicycle Shop 960 CharnoKon U00OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOC r Waterbeds h8 Track Tapes f-Car Stereos The FACTOR Y 245 E. 6th m&wsmsmmmm NOW WE CAN ' REPAIR ' 'JOGGING SHOES' For a fraction of the new price your old jogging shoes can be as good as new! • We repair all types of ** men's & women's shoes • Factory materials used • All work guaranteed • Re sole & repair all types men's & women's jogging shoes • Insoles available JIM THE SHOE DOCTOR 849 Olive
