2012 Film Olympics: I raaaaaaaan / I ran so far away

Posted Friday, August 3, 2012 at 4:51 PM Central
Last updated Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 9:01 PM Central

by John Couture

It's Flock of Seagulls day at the Film Olympics. Arguably Liverpool's second most famous band of all time is little more than a one-hit wonder these days, but back in the '80s their haircuts were a trend that set cool itself back decades.

I have a very interesting story that involves Flock of Seagulls and knowing when to say when. Let's put it this way, Neil Young said it best when he sang, "it's better to burn out than to fade away.

Ah, but that's a story for another day. If you ever meet me in a dank and dingy bar, buy me a pint of Canada's finest and I will regale you with my Flock of Seagulls story. Until that day, I leave you with this video.

You're welcome. And yes, I listened to it on repeat while I filed this story.

Today is the first day of track & field events at the London 2012 Olympics and what better way to commemorate such an event than with a tailor-made category. Below you will find the medal winners in the Olympic running films. Or as I like to affectionately refer to it, the Flock of Seagulls category.

BRONZE

This film is a powerful story about the struggle of two runners who are training and competing with one another to secure a spot on the 1980s U.S. Olympic team. Their dream is dashed though when politics interferes and the United States boycotts the Moscow - oh, who am I kidding?

Personal Best is known only for the budding lesbian relationship between the characters played by Mariel Hemingway and Patrice Donnelly. It's actually a compelling story and one of the first of its kind to tackle the issue of homosexuality in sports. For this alone, it's a landmark film. Teen boys though enjoy it for far baser reasons.

SILVER

There's just something about Jared Leto sporting a porn 'stache that works on so many levels. Prefontaine is yet another true story about Olympic hopefuls only this time Pre is actually able to represent his country at the Games.

It's a great little film that continues to stand the test of time. Heck, even his 'stache has come back into fashion with the hipsters of today.

GOLD

Again, there's really no contest when it comes to running and Olympics. Chariots of Fire is THE movie that springs to mind when those words are spoken and usually it's the beach running scene that people conjure up.

There's really nothing I can add about this movie that hasn't already been written, but I will say that you a film is a big deal when it makes a cheeky appearance at the actual Olympics. Mr. Bean and the London Symphony Orchestra played the iconic musical number from the film, well Mr. Bean mostly played it.

The updated medal count shows that the standings are starting to tighten up just a bit and MGM is showing its gold medal dominance.

Make sure you come back tomorrow when we hit the grass.