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 – Personal Best (1982)

Trace every key event in Personal Best (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Olympic Trials Begin

Christine 'Chris' Cahill competes in the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Despite her determination, she faces disappointment in the hurdles event, which deeply affects her emotionally.

1976 Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
2

Tory Secures Olympic Spot

On the same day, Tory Skinner successfully secures second place in the pentathlon, earning a coveted position on the Olympic team. This achievement sets the stage for a transformative evening ahead.

1976 Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
3

Celebratory Dinner

Following the trials, Tory enjoys a celebratory dinner with friends, including Roscoe Travis. Meanwhile, Chris, feeling disheartened, decides to walk home instead of joining the festivities.

1976
4

Chris Faints

During her walk home, Chris experiences a fainting spell in the restroom. This alarming incident brings Tory and Roscoe to her side, highlighting the unexpected bond forming between Chris and Tory.

5

Ride Home

Tory offers Chris a ride home, where they share a heartfelt conversation. Chris emotionally congratulates Tory for her success, deepening their connection amidst Chris's personal struggles.

6

Intimate Encounter

Instead of heading directly home, Chris and Tory end up in Tory's room, where they engage in a vulnerable moment. This intimate encounter leads to them sharing marijuana, an arm-wrestling match, and ultimately, they make love.

Tory's room
7

Journey to San Luis Obispo

A few days later, Chris accompanies Tory to San Luis Obispo, California, where Tory attends California Polytechnic State University. Here, they begin training together, and Tory encourages Chris to work with her coach, Terry Tingloff.

San Luis Obispo, California
8

Training Trials

Upon returning home, Chris seeks her father's permission to study in California. Although she admits to lacking a scholarship, her determination leads her back to San Luis Obispo, where she begins training with the team.

California Polytechnic State University
9

First Race

After two months of persistent training, Tory convinces Tingloff to let Chris compete during practice. While she initially struggles with a fall, Chris perseveres and finishes in third place, showcasing her potential.

10

Food Poisoning Before Competition

As Chris and Tory prepare for the World Student Games in Cali, Colombia, Chris suffers from food poisoning due to local fruit. Despite the setback and with Tory's support, Chris excels in her hurdles competition.

1978 Cali, Colombia
11

Jealousy at the Party

After the hurdles event, Chris and Tory attend a party where Chris's flirtation with a male athlete causes jealousy for Tory. This moment highlights the complexities of their relationship amid their athletic pursuits.

12

Scholarship Offer

Upon returning to San Luis Obispo, Tingloff offers Chris a full tuition scholarship contingent on her training for the pentathlon. This opportunity sparks excitement but also concern about competing against Tory.

California Polytechnic State University
13

Injury and Tension

During practice, Chris injures her knee after following Tory's advice on high jump. Tingloff, frustrated and believing Tory is a distraction, creates tension between the two friends, further complicating their relationship.

14

New Romance with Denny

As Chris focuses on recovery through swimming, she meets Denny Stites, a water polo player with an Olympic past. Their growing relationship adds complexity to Chris's emotional turmoil regarding her loyalties.

15

Final Showdown at Olympic Trials

Back at Hayward Field for the Olympic Trials, Chris and Tory engage in a fierce showdown. In a suspenseful finish, both secure spots on the U.S. Olympic team, with Chris embracing Tory in a moment of shared triumph.

1980 Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 11:39

Unlock the Full Story of Personal Best

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Personal Best Summary

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Personal Best Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Personal Best

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Personal Best

More About Personal Best

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