Phil Bailey
Author, A Journey of Faith: Learning Life Lessons from Unexpected Losses
Air Force Pilot, Astronautical Engineer
"Subjected to a brutal and physically abusive early childhood, Danny Murphy learned very early in life how to ignore pain and how to control his body with his mind. These skills became the keys to his amazing success as a cross-country and track champion, and a 3-time All-American. Feet on Fire chronicles not only Danny Murphy's incredible running career, but also his life journey of mental, emotional and spiritual battles that shaped him into the champion that he became and still is. His dramatic and captivating life story will challenge you and inspire you to reach your full potential and to become all that you can be, not only in your career, but in life."
F. Owen Hoffman, Ph.D.
San Jose State College Middle Distance runner and record holder, 1962-1966
Environmental Scientist, Germany
"Danny Murphy was the epitome of a champion long-distance runner. In his races, Danny's victory in the 1964 NCAA Championship Track 10,000-Meters qualified him for the 1964 US Olympic Trials. Danny had the extraordinary mental capacity to totally block out the debilitation effects from the pain of fatigue and injury. Most of Danny's close friends, colleagues, and teammates were unaware of the many difficulties that Danny faced and had to overcome in life. Feet on Fire reveals those personal details of the many difficult challenges that occurred in Danny's Life. it is an exceptional autobiography well worth the time to read."
Lester Bond
NCAA Silver Medalist; NCAA All American; San Jose State College Triple Jump Record Holder 1964-1975
"Danny Murphy's early childhood greatly lacked consistent, supportive, nurturing, caring and trusting relationships. To escape abuse, Danny moved into the modest home of his grandparents, who struggled to make ends meet and could not afford to send Danny to compete in the Olympic Trials after he qualified. Danny's life represents hard work in school and on the track. He excelled in long-distance running at Mira Costa High School and at San Jose State College--Two-time NCAA Cross-County Team Championship, CSAA All-American, and NCAA Champion in track in the 10,000-Meters."
Ben Tucker
Author, A Good Run
"Danny Murphy was unique for a distance runner. He lifted weights, which most distance runners abhorred, and he ran barefoot. Danny ran with a ferocity that motivated us all. We all focused on him because we knew he was the top runner, and if we could run with Danny, we could run with the best. We could be contenders, even champions. Danny was all about winning, and with him as our leader, we won two back-to-back national championships. I'll always be indebted to Danny Murphy. He made me a better athlete. I'll always remember trying to chase down the little-barefoot, short kid, who ran as if his "feet were on fire."
Jeff Fishback
Gold Medalist, 1963 Pan American Games, Brazil
"What an exciting and interesting time to be a distance runner at San Jose State College. We had a group of runners that would make any college coach envious. At the Modesto Relays, in a two-mile event, I didn't run through the finish, so Danny just popped right by me at the end."
