Norman Bright
Encyclopedia
Norman "Norm" Bright was an American long distance
runner, mountaineer
, and teacher
. Bright once held the American record in the two-mile run
.
, he was one of eleven children. Bright's mother reportedly rubbed olive oil
into his legs as an infant when she was told by a doctor that her son was not "moving and working his muscles enough". Bright attended Western Washington University
where he earned a teaching degree, Stanford University
where he earned a bachelor's degree
, and Miami University of Ohio where he earned a master's degree
in counseling.
During World War II
, Bright served in the United States Army
. He was initially rejected due to a slow pulse, however, he went to another enlistment center after running three miles to raise his heart rate
. In 1945, Bright married Franca Fiorentino whom he had met in New York
. The couple had one daughter, and later divorced. Bright moved to Seattle in 1966 and worked for the Seattle School District as a psychologist
.
Bright participated in the Olympic trials
in 1936, but failed to qualify, finishing fifth in the 5,000 metres after twisting an ankle collapsing in the 100 degree temperatures that had a third of the field unable to finish the race. He was the winner of the 1937 Bay to Breakers
, setting the course record as the first man to run under 40 minutes. That same year, he set a course record of 47:22 at the Dipsea Race
, but finished second due to the handicapped nature of the event. Thirty-three years later in 1970, he won the event. The Norman Bright Award is given for "Extraordinary Effort in the Dipsea".
In the mid 1960s, Bright was struck by a car and suffered a head injury which purportedly resulted in nerve damage and the loss of his eyesight. He needed a "guide," to keep him on course. Rules have been developed to ensure blind athletes do not gain an advantage when led in a race.
In 1975 he set the M65 World record in the 800 metres
and 1500 metres
while winning at the first Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) World Championships
in Toronto
, Canada
. He was the first 65 year old under 5 minutes in the 1500 metres. He also won the steeplechase
at the same meet.
In 1976 he ran the Bay to Breakers
with the guide (39 years after his victory in the event) Later that year he set the M65 American record
in the 10,000 metres that still stands.
Bright was also a mountaineer reported to have climbed every major peak in the United States.
Bright is mentioned in Laura Hillenbrand
's best-selling biography about Louis Zamperini
, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
. Bright appeared on the cover of Runners World in September 1974, running a steeplechase
at the age of 64 and nearly blind.
Bright was a member of San Francisco's Olympic Club
.
In 2000 he was elected into the USATF Masters Hall of Fame
.
Bright died in Seattle due to complications from pneumonia and cancer.
Long-distance track event
Long-distance track event races require runners to balance their energy. These types of races are predominantly aerobic in nature and at the highest level, exceptional levels of aerobic endurance is required more than anything else...
runner, mountaineer
Mountaineer
-Sports:*Mountaineering, the sport, hobby or profession of walking, hiking, trekking and climbing up mountains, also known as alpinism-University athletic teams and mascots:*Appalachian State Mountaineers, the athletic teams of Appalachian State University...
, and teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
. Bright once held the American record in the two-mile run
Two miles
The 2 mile is a historic running distance. Like the mile run, it is still contested at some invitational meets, perhaps because it provides an easier record to break for meet promoters , as well as its historical chronology. It is largely superseded by the 3000 m and 5000 m, and by the 3200m in...
.
Biography
Bright was the son of a school principal and a teacher. Born in Mossyrock, WashingtonMossyrock, Washington
Mossyrock is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 759 at the 2010 census.-History:The city began as a trading post named Mossy Rock in 1852, after a high moss-covered rock at the east end of Klickitat Prairie...
, he was one of eleven children. Bright's mother reportedly rubbed olive oil
Olive oil
Olive oil is an oil obtained from the olive , a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps...
into his legs as an infant when she was told by a doctor that her son was not "moving and working his muscles enough". Bright attended Western Washington University
Western Washington University
Western Washington University is one of six state-funded, four-year universities of higher education in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located in Bellingham and offers bachelor's and master's degrees.-History:...
where he earned a teaching degree, Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
where he earned a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
, and Miami University of Ohio where he earned a master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in counseling.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Bright served in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
. He was initially rejected due to a slow pulse, however, he went to another enlistment center after running three miles to raise his heart rate
Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute . Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep....
. In 1945, Bright married Franca Fiorentino whom he had met in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The couple had one daughter, and later divorced. Bright moved to Seattle in 1966 and worked for the Seattle School District as a psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
.
Bright participated in the Olympic trials
United States Olympic Trials (track and field)
The United States Olympic Trials for the sport of Track and Field is the quadrennial meet to select the United States representatives at the Olympic Games. Since 1992, the meet has also served as the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Because of the depth of competition in some events,...
in 1936, but failed to qualify, finishing fifth in the 5,000 metres after twisting an ankle collapsing in the 100 degree temperatures that had a third of the field unable to finish the race. He was the winner of the 1937 Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers
The Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco, California on the third Sunday of May. The name reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero and runs west through the city to finish at the Great...
, setting the course record as the first man to run under 40 minutes. That same year, he set a course record of 47:22 at the Dipsea Race
Dipsea Race
The Dipsea Race is the oldest cross-country trail running event—and one of the oldest foot races of any kind—in the United States. The 7.5 mile long Dipsea Race has been held annually almost every year since 1905, starting in Mill Valley, and finishing at Stinson Beach, in Marin County,...
, but finished second due to the handicapped nature of the event. Thirty-three years later in 1970, he won the event. The Norman Bright Award is given for "Extraordinary Effort in the Dipsea".
In the mid 1960s, Bright was struck by a car and suffered a head injury which purportedly resulted in nerve damage and the loss of his eyesight. He needed a "guide," to keep him on course. Rules have been developed to ensure blind athletes do not gain an advantage when led in a race.
In 1975 he set the M65 World record in the 800 metres
800 metres
The 800 meter race is a common track running event. It is the shortest common middle distance track event. The 800 meter is run over two laps of the track and has always been an Olympic event. During indoor track season the event is usually run on a 200 meter track, therefore requiring four laps...
and 1500 metres
1500 metres
The 1,500-metre run is the premier middle distance track event.Aerobic endurance is the biggest factor contributing to success in the 1500 metres but the athlete also requires significant sprint speed.In modern times, the 1,500-metre run has been run at a pace faster than the average person could...
while winning at the first Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) World Championships
World Masters Athletics Championships
The World Masters Athletics Championships are the biannual championships for athletics events held under the auspices of World Masters Athletics, formerly called the World Association of Veteran Athletes, for athletes over the age of 35 years old....
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. He was the first 65 year old under 5 minutes in the 1500 metres. He also won the steeplechase
Steeplechase (athletics)
The steeplechase is an obstacle race in athletics, which derives its name from the steeplechase in horse racing.-Rules:The length of the race is usually 3000 m; junior events are 2000 m, as women's events formerly were. The circuit has four ordinary barriers and one water jump. Over 3000 m, each...
at the same meet.
In 1976 he ran the Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers
The Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco, California on the third Sunday of May. The name reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero and runs west through the city to finish at the Great...
with the guide (39 years after his victory in the event) Later that year he set the M65 American record
United States records in masters athletics
These are the current American records in the various age groups of masters athletics. Starting at age 35, each age group starts on the athlete's birthday in years that are evenly divisible by 5 and extends until the next such occurrence. For record purposes, older athletes are not included in...
in the 10,000 metres that still stands.
Bright was also a mountaineer reported to have climbed every major peak in the United States.
Bright is mentioned in Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand is an American author of books and magazine articles.Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Hillenbrand spent much of her childhood riding bareback "screaming over the hills" of her father's Sharpsburg, Maryland, farm. A favorite of hers was Come On Seabiscuit, a 1963 kiddie book. "I read...
's best-selling biography about Louis Zamperini
Louis Zamperini
Louis Silvie Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and former American Olympic distance runner.-Early life:...
, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is a 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-selling book Seabiscuit: An American Legend...
. Bright appeared on the cover of Runners World in September 1974, running a steeplechase
Steeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
at the age of 64 and nearly blind.
Bright was a member of San Francisco's Olympic Club
Olympic Club
The Olympic Club is a San Francisco, California, athletic club and private social club with three golf courses located at San Francisco's border with Daly City, California. The club's main "City Clubhouse" is located in downtown San Francisco. The club's "Lakeside Clubhouse" is located just north...
.
In 2000 he was elected into the USATF Masters Hall of Fame
USATF Masters Hall of Fame
The USA Masters Hall of Fame is the Masters section of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. It is intended to select worthy athletes from the various divisions of Masters athletics involved in the sports of track and field, road running and race walking...
.
Bright died in Seattle due to complications from pneumonia and cancer.