16 Days of Glory (1985)

David Perry: Narrator

Quotes 

• Narrator : For many years preceding the Los Angeles games, the world press had reported that the Coe/Ovett rivalry had been unfriendly. This was denied by both men. Ovett attempted to clarify the situation. Said Ovett - We are not the best of friends, nor are we enemies, rather, we are rivals.

• Narrator : In the two years since his incredible world record run in Oslo, Dave Moorcroft has been beset with crippling injuries. He has not fully recovered from a stress fracture of the leg, a debilitating attack of hepatitis, and a pelvic disorder that on certain days makes it impossible for him to run.

• Narrator : Fulfillment of the Olympic philosophy: To enter the arena, make the attempt, and do your best.

• Narrator : The Marathon - run in every Olympics since the games were revived in Athens almost a century before. The Marathon - 26 miles, 385 yards. A race of strength, speed, and endurance. The Marathon - a race that challenges the land, the competition, and, perhaps most important, one's self.

• Narrator : They walked into the arena like the gladiators of old. Twenty-six men. Strong. Agile. Fast.

• Narrator : Formerly, Chinese athletes competed internationally with the slogan: Friendship first, Competition second. Wining or losing was immaterial. This has now changed.

• Narrator : She first gained international fame as a five foot, two inch, 84 pounds, 16-year old prodigy from South Africa, who ran barefoot. With South Africa barred from the games because of its racial policies, Budd moved to Great Britain four months before the games were to begin. The following month she became a British citizen and earned a place on their Olympic team.

• Narrator : And so it was on the evening of August twelfth, the 16 days of glory came to their close.