Summary

When Smith’s dad tells Mr. Focht that he plans to move the family away, Mr. Focht tells him that they need good families like him in the area, and he helps the family get a better home in the area and offers Mr. Smith a job as a custodian at the school. This affords the family more financial stability. Mr. Focht also wants Smith to join the track team, and Mr. Smith agrees as long as it does not interfere with the work Smith has to do for the family and as long as Smith never comes in second. In the 1968 race, Smith feels the surge when his body automatically propels him forward, and he is not out of the race.

Mr. Smith has never thought that a Black man could support a family through athletics, but running...