Norman "Norm" Bright (January 29, 1910 - August 29, 1996) was an American long distance runner, mountaineer, and teacher. Bright once held the American record in the two-mile run.[1]
Bright was the son of a school principal and a teacher.[2] Born in Mossyrock, Washington, he was one of eleven children.[2] Bright's mother reportedly rubbed olive oil into his legs as an infant when she was told by a doctor that her son was not "moving and working his muscles enough".[2] Bright attended Western Washington University where he earned a teaching degree, Stanford University where he earned a bachelor's degree, and Miami University of Ohio where he earned a master's degree in counseling.[2]
During World War II, Bright served in the United States Army.[2] He was initially rejected due to a slow pulse, however, he went to another enlistment center after running three miles to raise his heart rate.[3] In 1945, Bright married Franca Fiorentino whom he had met in New York.[2] The couple had one daughter, and later divorced.[2] Bright moved to Seattle in 1966 and worked for the Seattle School District as a psychologist.[2]
Bright participated in the Olympic trials in 1936, but failed to qualify, finishing fifth in the 5,000 metres after twisting an ankle collapsing in the 100 degree temperatures that had a third of the field unable to finish the race.[2][4][5] He was the winner of the 1937 Bay to Breakers, setting the course record as the first man to run under 40 minutes.[2][6][7] That same year, he set a course record of 47:22 at the Dipsea Race, but finished second due to the handicapped nature of the event.[8] Thirty-three years later in 1970, he won the event.[9] The Norman Bright Award is given for "Extraordinary Effort in the Dipsea".[10]
In the mid 1960s, Bright was struck by a car and suffered a head injury which purportedly resulted in nerve damage and the loss of his eyesight.[2] He needed a "guide," to keep him on course.[11] Rules have been developed to ensure blind athletes do not gain an advantage when led in a race.[12]
In 1975 he set the M65 World record in the 800 metres and 1500 metres while winning at the first Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) World Championships in Toronto, Canada.[13][14] He was the first 65 year old under 5 minutes in the 1500 metres.[15] He also won the steeplechase at the same meet.
In 1976 he ran the Bay to Breakers with the guide (39 years after his victory in the event)[2] Later that year he set the M65 American record in the 10,000 metres that still stands.[16]
Bright was also a mountaineer reported to have climbed every major peak in the United States.[2]
Bright is mentioned in Laura Hillenbrand's best-selling biography about Louis Zamperini, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Bright appeared on the cover of Runners World in September 1974, running a steeplechase at the age of 64 and nearly blind.
Bright was a member of San Francisco's Olympic Club.[6]
In 2000 he was elected into the USATF Masters Hall of Fame.[17]
Bright died in Seattle due to complications from pneumonia and cancer.[6]
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