In 1970, Dave Wottle of Bowling Green placed second in the NCAA mile and, within the space of one week, brought his personal best for 880 y down from 1:51.6 to 1:47.8. He was expected to have an outstanding year in 1971, but he missed the entire season due to injury. Wottle did, however, fulfill his promise in 1972. He started by winning the NCAA indoor 880 y and then, after winning the AAU 800 m, he equalled the world record of 1:44.3 at the Final Trials. In the Olympic Final he was running last in the eight-man field with 200 m to go, but put on a devastating finish and won the gold medal by 3/100ths of a second. In 1972, Wottle also won the NCAA 1,500 m and, by placing second at the Final Trials, he qualified for a second event at the München Games. In the Olympic 1,500 m he was eliminated in the heats. His major win in 1973 was the NCAA mile and at the end of the season, Wottle, who was easily identified on the track by his habit of running in a golf cap, turned professional. He later became a track coach.
Personal Bests: 800 – 1:44.3 (1972); 1500 – 3:36.2 (1973); Mile – 3:53.3 (1973); 2 miles – 8:40.0i (1973).
United States