"What makes him my hero isn't a race he won. It's a race he never ran. The scene was the 1972 Munich Olympics, when Eddie, who was the world's reigning record holder in the 100-meter event, was disqualified from advancing to the finals because he and his teammate, Rey Robinson, missed their qualifying heat. Without much evidence, the blame immediately fell on Stan Wright, the American team's sprint coach."
"I was watching on TV when Howard Cosell interviewed Wright and the two runners after the race. Cosell, who was known for his cruelty, tore viciously into Wright, who was in tears by this time, and he invited Eddie to join in the persecution. Eddie was polite about it, but he resolutely refused, no matter how much Cosell kept egging him on. I said to myself, His parents must be so proud of him! I'm happy to say I was right."
Eddie Hart missed his qualifying heat in the 100 meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics and was disqualified from advancing to the finals alongside teammate Rey Robinson. The immediate blame targeted sprint coach Stan Wright despite limited evidence. Broadcaster Howard Cosell aggressively attacked Wright on television and tried to coerce Hart into joining the accusations; Hart politely but firmly refused. Hart's parents expressed pride in his integrity, and his devout mother prioritized his moral character over medals. Hart returned to UC Berkeley, completed his degree, devoted his career to mentoring youth in track and ethics, and later coauthored a book titled Disqualified.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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