The inspiring story of the faith, determination, and courage of an extraordinary American athlete.Glenn Cunningham (1909–1988), a world-champion middle-distance runner, is considered by many the best American miler of all time. When Cunningham was seven, a fire in his school in Rolla, Kansas, left him so badly burned he was never expected to walk again. Doctors feared infection and wanted to amputate both legs. He would be bedridden for almost two years. But with courage, tenacity, and faith, he eventually became the world record holder for the mile.
After setting a new state record for the mile as a high school senior, Cunningham enrolled at the University of Kansas in 1930. He became the university’s first NCAA track champion and ran the 1500-meter event at the 1932 summer Olympics in Los Angeles—a celebrity while only a junior in college. In 1934 Cunningham set the world record for the mile, and in 1936 returned to the Olympic stage at the historic Berlin games. In 1974 he was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and in 1978 he was honored as the most outstanding track and field athlete to perform in Madison Square Garden’s 100-year history.
Cunningham’s monumental life, told in his own words, will resonate with Kansans, athletes, and anyone who finds hope in the resilience of the human spirit.
About the Author :
Robert B. Gregg is a producer, screenwriter, novelist, and journalist. He wrote the screenplay for and produced the film Jack London’s Love of Life, based on London’s short story. Cindy Cunningham, Glenn Cunningham’s daughter, was born in Cedar Point, Kansas. She lives in Mexico, but considers Cedar Point her hometown. Wichita native Jim Ryun represented Kansas's 2nd district in the US Congress from 1996 to 2007. He was the first high school student to break the four-minute barrier in the mile run, and represented the United States at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympics. Ryun was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1980.
Review :
Glen Cunningham was among the very few middle distance runners whose story truly inspired me to stay the course. He helped me understand that the height of competition was not for me to compete against you, but for me to reach inwardly and compete against myself to the greatest extent possible."—Billy Mills, coauthor of Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills"As a schoolboy in Kansas, I grew up fascinated by the story of Glenn Cunningham, who went on to become a legendary miler at the University of Kansas, a world-record holder, and Olympic medalist. However it wasn’t his incredible achievements and accolades that made him a legendary figure. It was his journey to stardom from humble beginnings and through unimaginable adversity and tragedy that made him an icon. The story of Glenn Cunningham, captured in his own words and edited by Robert B. Gregg with Cindy Cunningham, will inspire runners of any age as it inspired me. In an era of flashy athletic stars and instant gratification, Never Quit is a refreshing and humbling reminder of the timeless virtues of true commitment, honor, and integrity."—David Johnston, University of Kansas 1994 Cross Country All-American and Team Captain
"The ribbon on the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame logo has three words: Honor, Education, Inspire. Hall of Famer Glenn Cunningham’s story is the ultimate inspirational story."—Richard Konzem, Executive Director of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame
