Catch Me If You Can (eBook)

Half a century ago, Filbert Bayi revolutionized how the middle-distance races were run. During that heyday of athletics competition, before pacers were hired to take the lead, the unheralded Tanzanian served as his own rabbit. The innovative Bayi set a blistering pace that dared formidable challengers from around the globe to 'catch me if you can.' After a singular career that included two world records and Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals, Bayi took the same assertive approach into post-racing life as an educator and sports administrator. He still embodies excellence in a school and foundation that bear his name as he strives to improve his country and community. In telling his long-awaited story, Bayi recounts hardships as well as enduring friendships with great rivals like John Walker. Over nearly 70 years, his experiences consistently reflect the three values he treasures most - sacrifice, commitment and confidence - setting an unforgettable example for anyone, anywhere, to follow.

Filbert Bayi's legacy in middle-distance running is assured as his blistering pace energised the sport in the 1970s, leading to his becoming the first Black man to hold the mile and 1500m world records. He earned the first Olympic medal ever for Tanzania with his silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1980 Olympics. With his wife Anna, he established Filbert Bayi Schools and the Filbert Bayi Foundation in Kibaha, Tanzania, which for more than twenty years has represented excellence by educating thousands of students and creating an even larger legacy off the track.