down olympics memory lane; remembering the inspirational Tanzanian marathoner Tanzanian runner John Stephen Ahkwari

from: http://speedendurance.com

How to Finish a Marathon – 1968 Olympics in Mexico City

In the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Ahkwari was the last runner in the marathon.

He came in about an hour and a half after the winner, practically carrying his leg, as it was so bloodied and bandaged.

Film Director Bud Greenspan asked him, “Why did you keep going?” He said, “You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race, they sent me to finish it.”

Here is the video (duration 2min:19sec)

Tanzania’s John Stephen Ahkwari – Click To Play

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