An Olympic gold medalist visited the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to continue giving back to a childhood neighbor, while encouraging resident runners in the 10th annual Eddie Hart/Ralph Ligons track meet.
The event, sponsored by SQRC’s 1000 Mile Running Club, allows the two childhood competitors the opportunity to become friends and show how people overcame adversity on a global stage.
Eddie Hart overcame the loss of his dream to be called the fastest man in the world and won a different gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
“As soon as Eddie sees me he comes up and puts his gold medal around my neck,” said SQRC resident Ralph Ligons.
Ligons, grew up across the street from Hart in the East Bay city of Pittsburg.
Hart, being three years older than Ligons, remembered Ligons’ own track prowess in high school and saw his rehabilitative growth at SQRC, which led Ligons to become a runner and coach for the institution’s 1000 Mile Club.
“It’s a joy, [and] it’s a pleasure coming in and hangin’ out with you guys,” said Hart. “You treat me with respect and I appreciate that.”
Hart’s legacy of courage demanded respect almost immediately after he won a gold medal by running the anchor leg of the 4X100 relay at the ’72 Olympics.
Hart’s example of compassion, calm, and resiliency was emblazoned the minute his relay team won gold at the Munich Olympics because he had been disqualified for missing his primary race that he had trained for most of his life — the 100 meter sprint — as a result of being given the wrong time by his coach.
With an egregious error that shattered his personal dream, Hart bounced back that same week and competed in the 4X100 meter relay race that gave him his Gold Medal victory.
For his profile in courage and commitment to community throughout his life, Hart was recently inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
On the first Friday in June, during the track meet named after the duo, the pair reminisced about their achievements past and present.
Ligons said he is grateful that Hart supports the running club and is always happy to see his mentor.
Ligons said that he requested Hart’s name be added to an event that was named after the incarcerated Ligons, who had also competed in the 1972 Olympic time trials.
Hart then spoke about his recent induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
While mentioning other names of past BASHOF inductees, including Willie Mays, Bill Russell, Joe DiMaggio and others, Hart became emotional. “My name being placed alongside them is an honor,” said Hart.
Hart’s Central Junior High School running coach, Bert Banano, was present for the induction. “It was magical. Coach Banano, who taught technique, diet, stretching, [and] was so helpful to my success, was there that night,” said Hart.
Current Olympic long jump record holder, Bob Beamon, presented Hart for induction.
Beamon held both the world record and Olympic record after his jump in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. His 29 feet 2.5 inches record lasted for 23 years until his world record was broken in 1991; Beamon still holds the Olympic mark.
Also present for the festivities were Hart’s wife Gwen, son Ed Jr., and his grandchildren Bella and James, and University of California at Berkeley teammate Cliff West.
“My wife of 60 years, Gwen, has been with me through everything,” said Hart.
Hart mentioned the concept of responding rather than reacting, saying that one should take a moment to think so you don’t make a bad decision.
Hart illustrated his response versus react technique directly after losing his opportunity to win the individual Olympic gold.
“I wanted the coach to know that I loved him and held no ill will in spite of missing my race,” said Hart.
Hart exhibited love and forgiveness in a traumatic moment and won more gold than an individual medal; he won gold in life.
The 10th annual track meet saw 28-year-old resident Christian Dominguez dominated the events.
Dominguez, incarcerated for nine years, finished first in three events, including the 100, 200, and 400 meters.
Dominguez, who has been competing since he was 21 years old, said, “It [running] helps me keep healthy and positive. Focus on your life and do the best for yourself.”
Longtime volunteer Diane Fitzpatrick spoke about the busy Friday schedule at SQRC. “We had a good turnout in spite of the GRIP (Guiding Rage into Power) graduation and the Skunkworks event,” said Fitzpatrick.
Three-year volunteer Leo Pershall, who tried to coordinate the numerous running events, spoke of Ligons contribution to the races. “Ralph [Ligons] will be the honorary starter for the 4X400 relay.”
Lead organizer Jim Maloney said that Hart and Ligons’ race and all articles covered by the SQ Sports department are now linked to the club’s own web page for their followers to read.