Paul Kiell

Glenn Cunningham set the world record for the mile in the 1930s. But as a boy, he had been terribly burned in a schoolhouse fire, a fire that took the life of his older brother Floyd. And that is when Glenn’s life quest began. He was bed-ridden for months. The doctors thought he might never walk again. But he recovered, slowly, agonizingly, with fierce determination—and within a year was both walking and running. Huge burn scars covered his legs.

     In high school, he was a champion athlete, and set a world high school record in the mile. He went on to be one of America’s greatest runners, setting records and winning races with astonishing ease. His story, however, is now largely forgotten—but it is an inspiring and timeless one that bears telling in our modern age.

     Throughout the book there is a portrait of sportsmanship and decency rarely seen these days. And how Glenn Cunningham spent his life after track is just as inspiring as his accomplishments on the track. Paul Kiell has created a detailed, dramatic, fascinating biography of this unique American athlete.

“American Miler inspires while capturing the power of the human spirit! Kiell’s prose and accompanying period photographs vividly chronicle Cunningham’s heroic determination in the face of physical challenge. A great American story of forging strength from hardship.”     —Trisha Meili, author, I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility

“Dr. Kiell has written the definitive biography of a giant figure in American sport who became a vital influence in many young lives.”    —Robert J. Corrigan, author, Tracking Heroes: 13 Track & Field Champions

“Glenn Cunningham refused to let adversity keep him from his goals. His life is an inspiration to athletes in any sport, and to anyone with the will to succeed in the face of overwhelming odds. Thank you, Dr. Kiell, for sharing his story so beautifully.”   —Richard Traum, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Achilles Track Club

“Dr. Kiell’s comprehensive portrayal of  Glenn’s outstanding athletic career and personal life enables the reader to appreciate the exploits and character of this great American hero—Cunningham the athlete and Cunningham the man.”     —Howard Schmertz, Millrose Games Meet Director Emeritus

“American Miler has brought my teammate back to life: The race is on. I feel again the ache of muscle, the sear of lung, the sting of cinders as we stride. I hear, too, our cheering Jayhawks urging Glenn to yet another record; and I remember Cunningham as a friend, the noblest of the best.”     —Paul Borel, former classmate and teammate of Glenn Cunningham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Kiell, a psychiatrist living in Far Hills, New Jersey, has participated in marathonrunning and long-distance swimming, and has written extensively on both.