Eleven competitors lined up for the race, but the 17,000 foot-racing fans, sizzling in the stands at New York's Triborough Stadium, had eyes for only two. One was chunky, pony-gaited Gregory Rice, taking time off from his duties as chief petty officer at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, L.I. to defend the championship he had won for five successive years. The other: gaunt, gazelle-gaited Gunder Hagg (pronounced Hegg), the touted Swedish fireman who was making his U.S. debut in the national 5,000-meter run.
On form, things looked none too good for...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
