THIS is how to do it when things look hopeless! 💪🏻

Relive the Olympic 800m race at Munich 1972 with us and remember David Wottle's incredible spirit that led him to Olympic gold!

Tendinitis in his knees hampered David Wottle's training in the weeks leading up to the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. His start in the 800m final was rather slow. Things looked kind of hopeless for Wottle for the first 200m. But Wottle did not give up and fought his way back to the leading group of the athletes to finally securing the 800m gold in the last few metres of the track.

"I thought people would forget about my race. (...) It's almost fifty years now after the Olympic Games and they are still talking about it.", Wottle says. And it's true - we remember Wottle's fight for Olympic gold as a message to everyone: Never give up, even when things look hopeless!

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[COYSsince]

When I was a kid I got his autograph the night before this race. He was training and I yelled hello and to my surprise he ran over to the fence where me and my Dad were standing . He stopped and talked to us for a few minutes and signed my Program and then won the gold medal the next day to cement his place at the very top of my sports heroes list !

[liberty]

Actually, Dave Wottle was the smartest at pacing himself in the race. He ran a perfect 26 seconds for each 200 meters. The rest of them slowed dramatically over the last 200 and Dave maintained his pace. To do that was a truly amazing thing, IMO

[pndoiom]

I watch this alot as I was a 3rd grade and your wife was my teacher, they day you brought your Gold medal to school and shared with us , was and still is a priceless memory Thank you Dave Wottle .

[sandyatkins]

Dave Wottle was the reason I tried out and made my high school track team and competed for 3 years. Thanks for this video and the opportunity to thank him for his inspiration.

[bencurti]

One of the greatest Olympic races ever! No Mr. Wottle, we will never forget that moment in history.

[brucek]

I knew Dave Wottle at BGSU. He lived down the hall from me our sophomore year. He was a very dedicated athlete!!! He was also a quiet and humble person. I was glad to know him. I was so proud when he won that race.

[Rick-fztt]

I’m 77 years young and I’ll never forget you or that race. Just incredable thanks Dave.😊

[stephenbird]

I was one of the many high school runners who wore a baseball cap while running cross country. I learned from Dave that consistent pace wins the race and not to be distracted by people who go out too fast. Have a plan and stick to it. I can watch this over and over again. Dave you are the best!!!!

[mtnstrand]

This must surely be one of the greatest comebacks at the highest level. Well done Dave Wottle.

[astropioneer]

Wottle’s win is a great metaphor for anyone feeling beaten, like all is lost, or that things will never change. Stay in the race. Stay focused on your goal. Keep kicking and work your tail off. You’re a driver, not a passenger in life. There ain’t nothing you can’t do.

[duckmangooo]

Never forget, not forgotten. A family screaming at the TV as we watched the race. Dad " He's going to do it, he's going to do it!".

[vinekeep]

50 years later and you look so well champion. respect.

[adarshbabu]

It doesn't matter how you start and how much behind you are, but what matters is how well you finish.
A very inspiring video with a message to never loose hope and just keep moving on.

[mediamannaman]

I was 13 and this was the first Olympics I really paid attention to. I was glued to the TV set. So much happened at the ‘72 Olympics - terrorists, Mark Spitz, Olga Korbut, Steve Prefontaine, … and Dave Wottle. I remember the amazement I felt when he won. He and Prefontaine inspired me to start running distance. Great memories.

[jeffgrant]

I'm 67. I remember watching it live and thinking he would win it the entire time. He had an incredible kick and this was how he raced.

[anthonyhart]

This is the 1st time I have seen this Dave Wottle race. Thank you Dave Wottle. Your life speaks encouragement and a living example for the essential values of this life

[taichiu]

What a runner. I saw this 50 years ago when I was 25. I could never forget the Wottle throttle and often recall it. Fantastic!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[colincolenso]

It's an example of "Don't panic and start out too fast or chase those setting unrealistic speed at the start."

[gregcox]

I watched him run this race and as a former 880 runner his determination and grit stuck with me. I can’t explain the enjoyment of watching him come through and win. I have thought about this race over the years and watched this video many times and it feels the same way now and I’m 65. Memories.

[badgerspvcoachellis]

I like how he goes along with the theory of not giving up, he knew exactly what he was doing. This type of even pacing strategy is well known now a days. He executed it with precision!