Dr. Melvin”Mel” Pender’s five-foot five-inch body has taken him to many first-place finishes as a world-class sprinter. His exceptional speed reached its pinnacle when he won a gold medal in the 4 x 100-meter relay team at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. He accomplished the feat while serving as a combat soldier in the Vietnam War.
Mel’s story induces hope. He shares a journey from childhood to pre-teen years idolizing the military and his celluloid hero, Audie Murphy. while living in an impoverished and segregated South. Despite the socio-economic conditions, Mel’s thirst for success thrived.
It was not easy.
Mel became somebody and achieved the American Dream.
How did he overcome economic, racial, educational, and personal giants?
His thirst to “be somebody” contributed to three divorces before finding his soul mate, Debbie, who co-authored the autobiography. She is Mel’s manager.
The one thing that sticks out for me is that no matter how people wanted me to conform to their ways, and if it was not true to who I was, I just couldn’t do it. ~ Dr. Mel Pender
What Mel Pender accomplished is phenomenal in the world of track. ~ Dr. John Carlos
Captain Pender was a symbol of hope for many young soldiers. ~ Brigadier General Richard Dix
Available in Hardcover
MEL TALKS CANDIDLY ABOUT THE OLYMPICS AND HIS LIFE