Part Two: The Most Influential Runner in History - A Conversation with Frank Shorter

Buzz continues his conversation with the man at the center of a pivotal moment in running history.

Did you know that, not long ago, athletes risked losing their amateur status—and their shot at the Olympics—if they accepted any form of payment? Even something as simple as having someone buy you lunch could get you banned. This system, known as “shamateurism,” governed the sporting world until Frank Shorter helped change it, forever altering the landscape for athletes worldwide.

“We got the White House involved. When the President of the United States talks, even the International Olympic Committee is going to listen.”

In this episode, Frank reflects on the mindset that carried him through it all:

“I never focused on winning. I went in wanting to find out.”

“I always wanted to keep running. Since I turned 35, my goal has always been to slow down as slowly as possible.”

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