From Walt Murphy. Shared with permission (with minor editing from Fan Hub admin). Walt produces an info-rich daily ”This Day in T&F” newsletter. Contact him at waltmurphy44@gmail.com if you’d like to join his distribution list.
How fast could you run the 100 with a gale-force wind at your back?
1962—Distance runner Kenny Moore ran 9.4 for 100-yards on the practice track behind Hayward Field in Eugene–say what?!
Moore, who would finish 4th in the Marathon at the 1972 Olympics, explains in his own words in the Sports Illustrated story linked below, how he (and many others) took advantage of a Columbus Day windstorm to set a personal best in the 100 just a month into his freshman year at the University of Oregon!
After watching huge trees being uprooted by the wind, Moore “…went from class to cross-country practice. Naturally, it was canceled, but soon several runners were on the practice track behind Hayward Field, running wind-blown 100-yard dashes. My roommate, Bruce Mortenson, who would win the 1965 NCAA steeplechase, did one in 9.9. “The wind is like a huge hand on your back,” he said. “It’s hard to keep your balance, and it’s almost impossible to slow down.”
Moore states in the above article that he submitted the time to T&F News on one of their questionnaires, but it never appeared in print. While not doubting that Moore ran 9.4, the magazine says they don’t recall seeing the time!
