The Authorized Biography of the Fastest Man on Earth
2001
68 Minutes
Biographical
Available on DVD
Usain Bolt of Jamaica stunned the Beijing Olympic field in 2008 for a new world record of 9.69 seconds in the 100 meter dash to claim the title "World’s fastest Man". In the early 1960’s there was no controversy as one man claimed this title without question. His name is Bob Hayes and this production is "The Authorized Biography of the Fastest Man on Earth" which features Bob telling the story of his life. Although his running career was short, ending at the age of 22 to join the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, he showed the world what some would still say today may be the fastest race of all time (read an article by Justin Clouder entitled "The Greatest 100m Runner of All Time").
This video is a conversational interview of Bob’s life as he personally goes to a variety of locations (Gilbert High School, Florida A & M, Florida Sports Hall of Fame) to answer the questions posed by correspondent Linda Fritz. He talks about his upbringing and family, tells stories of his running and football career, and discusses both his successes and struggles that he faced in life. Several coaches and teammates influences are revealed as well as very difficult periods of his life when he was incarcerated. Personal stories are told about the people who influenced him most as well as events such as having to borrow shoes from Olympic teammate Tommy Farrell when his pair was misplaced. Dramatic reenactments, newspaper clips, newsreel images and numerous interviews from those close to Bob allow the chronological tale to be told.
Three races are featured and discussed by Hayes: The USA Russian meet held in Los Angeles, California; the Olympic 100 meter final where Hayes runs in lane one, and his come from behind Olympic 4 x 100 meter relay where he moved from fifth place to win by the margin of 3 meters in a world record time of 39.06.
"Getting down in the starting blocks I looked up at my mother and tears are rolling down her face with happiness and my hero Jesse Owens and his wife Ruth were hugging my mother because my father did not show up."
"A highlight was the Men’s 100 Meter with Bob Hayes in the far lane, streaking down the cinders like a bazooka shell to take the dash handily. Bob’s powerful technique is shown in slow motion as he wins the race in 10 seconds flat and ads another gold medal to Uncle Sam’s bag."~ Ed Herlihy of Universal Newsreel
"By hand clock I was timed in 8.4 seconds (during the 4x100 relay) and by electronically I was timed in 8.6 and that is the fastest 100 meter ever been run by man. So now they don’t call me the world’s fastest human, they call me the greatest sprinter in the history of running."
"I was always seen around a real strong winning tradition and Florida A & M and the Dallas Cowboys jut put the icing on the cake."
Originally released in 2001, this video is still available from those that made it possible, director and editor Tom Rost, and producer Harrison Tyner. With a run time of 68 minutes this autobiography is sure to cast into light a sprinter who had his up and downs and is still today the only person to have earned both an Olympic Gold medal and Superbowl victory ring. Carrousel Productions offers this production for sale in DVD ($20) or VHS ($15) format (add $3 for shipping and handling). I would encourage you to establish contact with them (256-232-3676) prior to sending a money order or cashier’s check to: Carrousel Productions P.O. Box 1216 204 Durham Dr. Athens, AL 35612
Postscript: Bob Hayes (12-20-1942 to 9-18-2002) An obituary can be read at Sports Illustrated. His autobiography entitled Run, Bullet, Run: The Rise, Fall, and Recovery of Bob Hayes was released in 1992 and can be purchased through Amazon.com. A seven foot tall bronze statue of Hayes is located at A. Philip Randolph Park in Jacksonville Florida.
2001