By Bill Wells
The true story of unassuming American Dave Wottle in his quest for Olympic Gold in the 800-meter run as he battles an unsupportive Olympic coach, debilitating injuries, and a Russian superstar.
Feature-length Movie | Sports Drama (a true story)
Pitch Deck
Think of McFarland, USA
meets Race.
Synopsis
One of the Greatest Comebacks in Sports History
Awkward Dave Wottle joins his high school track team, and to everyone’s surprise, he immediately excels, giving him purpose and a new outlook as he drops his dork status. His success continues in college, igniting Dave’s quest to reach the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. A number of injuries, though, push Dave to depression. His dad suggests Dave give up running, the sport doing more harm than good. While at a crossroads, Dave goes on a date with Jan, the “prettiest girl on campus.”
After qualifying for the Olympic Games, a potential conflict arises with Head Coach Bill Bowerman, who “recommends” Dave delay his wedding, scheduled to be held in six days. After an ultimatum from Jan, Dave marries his beautiful bride, setting off a feud with the rigid Bowerman.
On the first day of training camp, in an attempt to impress his single-minded coach, Dave overdoes his workout and re-injures himself. Dave avoids Bowerman at all costs, putting his complete trust in assistant coach Al Buehler. With Jan accompanying Dave to Munich, Bowerman goes to the press, stating that “Dave Wottle traded a gold medal for a wife.”
Dave aggravates his injury moments after his preliminary race while helping a teammate. The following day, in his semifinal, Dave appears to be a lock to qualify for the final. On the last turn, however, Dave becomes boxed in, putting his gold medal hopes in jeopardy. An opening appears, though, and Dave uses his kick to advance to the final.
A massive underdog in the final, Dave immediately falls significantly behind on the first lap. On the backstretch of the second lap, favorite Yevgeni Arzhanov of Russia makes a big move and jumps into the lead. Dave answers. On the last turn, as the runners hit the straightaway, on cue with Jim McKay’s famous line of “Stand by for the kick of Dave Wottle,” Dave accelerates. With his unrivaled support system in attendance, Dave passes two Kenyans before pulling even with Arzhanov. The Russian falls, creating a photo finish. The 80,000 spectators wait for the results to the posted on the scoreboard. Dave’s name flashes first, setting off a frenzy in Olympic Stadium.
Dave shares his gold medal with Jan after the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. One year later, prior to a track meet in Oregon, Coach Bowerman apologizes to Dave and Jan for his behavior at the Olympics, inviting them for dinner at his iconic house.
Script
ABC News Coverage of 800m Final in 1972 Summer Olympics
