Dave Wilborn

3:56.2

June 23, 1967, Bakersfield, California

On the race: Wilborn said he doesn’t vividly remember the first half of the race, but does remember the end. With 300 meters to go, realizing that he was in good position and on good pace, he started to kick. He started the final stretch in second place but was eventually caught with two steps to go. He took third.

On Bowerman: The coach was as intense as he was a practical joker. Wilborn made sure to point out that all the stories about Bowerman peeing on guys in the shower or throwing smoking hot keys on guys in the sauna were true. He also said he once saw Bowerman kick a guy out of a workout because he had a beard. Bowerman apparently didn’t like beards. Wilborn’s favorite memory of Bowerman, however, came after a race he didn’t run well. Bowerman put his arm around Wilborn’s shoulder and said, “If this is the worst thing that happens to you in your life, you’re a lucky guy.”

On his life now: Wilborn is retired and mainly buys and resells books on the internet. He said he never had a true “career,” but more a variety of jobs that were related to biology in some way. After an ACL surgery, he no longer runs, but he is an avid biker. On his 70th birthday he ventured out on 200-mile bike ride, simply because it was a life goal. It took him all day.

 

Dillon Vibes

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