Personal Best

Personal Best

Year: 1982

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Towne

DramaSport

This powerful drama follows Britain's elite sprinters as they dedicate themselves to achieving Olympic glory. Over four years, filmmaker Sam Blair documents their rigorous training, the intense pressure they face, and the personal struggles they endure. The film explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence as these athletes push their bodies and minds to the absolute limit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Personal Best (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Personal Best (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1976, 1978, 1980

The movie takes place during the late 1970s, a period marked by significant cultural and political events, including the impending boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow due to geopolitical tensions. This era saw athletes grappling with personal and competitive challenges as they aimed for Olympic glory.

Location

Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, San Luis Obispo, California

Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, is a renowned track and field stadium, known for hosting various athletic events including the Olympic Trials. San Luis Obispo, California, is a picturesque coastal town home to California Polytechnic State University, known for its vibrant student life and beautiful scenery.

🏟️ Stadium 🌅 Coastal City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:04

Main Characters – Personal Best (1982)

Meet the key characters of Personal Best (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Christine 'Chris' Cahill (Mariel Hemingway)

Chris is a determined and ambitious athlete who faces various setbacks on her path to the Olympics. Her strength is matched by moments of vulnerability, showcasing her emotional complexity as she navigates relationships and competitions.

🏃‍♀️ Athlete 💔 Driven

Tory Skinner (Patrice Donnelly)

Tory is a confident and competitive pentathlete who becomes both a rival and a love interest for Chris. Her journey includes moments of triumph and injury, highlighting her resilience and dedication to her sport.

🏅 Competitor 🌈 LGBTQ+

Terry Tingloff (Scott Glenn)

Terry is Chris's coach, who initially struggles to accept her as a protégé. However, he eventually recognizes her potential and becomes an influential figure in her training, complicating Chris's relationships with both Tory and her ambitions.

🏆 Coach 📈 Mentor

Denny Stites (Kenny Moore)

Denny is a charismatic water polo player who becomes a romantic interest for Chris. His past achievements pose both inspiration and conflict for Chris, as she balances her feelings and athletic aspirations.

🌊 Sport ❤️ Love Interest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:04

Major Themes – Personal Best (1982)

Explore the central themes of Personal Best (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏅 Ambition

The theme of ambition is central to the story, as both Christine and Tory strive for their Olympic dreams amidst various challenges. Their dedication to their sport showcases the sacrifices they make and the passion that drives their pursuits, reflecting the trials faced by athletes.

❤️ Romance

The evolving relationship between Chris and Tory highlights the theme of romance, as they navigate their emotions amid competitive pressures. Their bond, which is fuelled by vulnerability and shared experiences, illustrates the complexities of love and attraction in a challenging environment.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship plays a pivotal role as Chris and Tory support each other despite their rivalry. The ups and downs of their relationship depict how loyalty and camaraderie can develop in competitive settings, revealing the depth of their commitment both to each other and their goals.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:04

Unlock the Full Story of Personal Best

Don't stop at just watching — explore Personal Best in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Personal Best is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Personal Best Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Personal Best, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Personal Best Summary

Personal Best Timeline

Track the full timeline of Personal Best with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Personal Best Timeline

More About Personal Best

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Personal Best: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Personal Best

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