Webb replaces Scott as Mile Record Holder for Life
About 10 years ago, as Steve Scott began targeting the world record in the masters mile (then M40), I dubbed Steve the “American mile record holder for life.” No more. Today in Belgium, Alan Webb broke Steve’s mile AR by running 3:46.91. (Video will be posted on Flotrack.) Steve never got the masters record (partly due to injuries and fighting testicular cancer), but he held on to the mile record for a generation — the 25th anniversary was only a couple weeks ago. As it happens, I may have been the last person to publicly acknowledge Steve’s status in his presence. On June 30, at the Chuck McMahon meet in San Diego County, Steve was handling the announcing chores because the scheduled announcer’s mother had died.
Steve did a great job — although I had to correct his pronunciation on a few names (Jay, not Jie, for Jai Black, and PIE-Zah, not PEETZ-ah, for Greg Pizza). But he hung in there.
Just before the officials’ luncheon break, I asked Steve for the microphone. I took it and said, “And your announcer this morning has been Cal State San Marcos track coach Steve Scott, whose American record in the mile of 3:47.69 turns 25 on July 7.”
Steve didn’t know what I’d had in mind, but he appreciated it. He’s now 51 years old — an age where he doesn’t mind being reminded of his place in track history.
Now new history is being written. Jim Sorensen is a threat to go sub-4 outdoors next year after some great attempts this season. But should he fall short, others will surely follow. And if all else fails, we have Alan Webb.
Alan turns 40 on January 13, 2023.
Later addition:
USATF posted a reaction by Steve Scott:
“I want to personally congratulate Alan. I anticipated it [the record] being broken. After his 1:45 [800m] and his 3:30 [1500m], you knew he was capable of it. It was just a matter of having the right pace and conditions. Even if conditions weren’t perfect, he’s so strong, I knew he could do it. I had a prediction of 3:46.5 for him.
“I’m happy that it was Alan who broke it, and I believe at the end of the day, when all is said and done, that people will consider him the greatest distance runner America has ever had. He has such range, he’s so young and he’s accomplished so much. I have nothing to be ashamed of, losing the record to him.”
Steve Scott, classy as ever.
