Kudos to CNN for tracking down the story of master marathoner Frank
Shorter, who witnessed the 1972 Olympics terrorist attacks and, more than 40
year later, survived the Boston bombings.
Shorter, who witnessed the 1972 Olympics terrorist attacks and, more than 40
year later, survived the Boston bombings.
In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Shorter recalled the
“horrific” scene in ’72 when Palestinian terrorists abducted and killed several
Israeli athletes. The scene unfolded on a balcony across the courtyard from
American athletes’ housing quarters, and Shorter heard the gunshots that initiated the assault.
“horrific” scene in ’72 when Palestinian terrorists abducted and killed several
Israeli athletes. The scene unfolded on a balcony across the courtyard from
American athletes’ housing quarters, and Shorter heard the gunshots that initiated the assault.
To this day, Shorter, now 65, remains an iconic
long-distance runner, an inspiration for decades of U.S. marathoners.
long-distance runner, an inspiration for decades of U.S. marathoners.
Shorter said he knew that the 26-mile marathon route near
Munich would present a prime opportunity for a second terrorist attack. But he
maintained his composure and his emotions and, five days later, won the Olympic
marathon for the U.S.
On Monday, Shorter, after completing the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon, and had
stepped away from downtown Boston’s Copley Square. But he was still within 40 yards as he saw the second
bomb explode.
“My first thought was, oh no, oh no, oh no,” Shorter soberly
told CNN.
told CNN.
