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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

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)

Comments

  1. 10K Training says:
    Ohh, that runner was great. But what was actual reason he completed race where there was no hope for winning anything?
  2. 10k Training says:
    “Pushing yourself to another level, beyond what you thought was posible”.
    “When you want to give in, success is just around the corner”.
    These are the words my father told me when I was a little boy. I take it with me to this day.
    RIP Dad.
  3. Ben says:
    The real hero of hearts is Ahkwari.
    But the real hero of logic is: Mamo Wolde
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamo_Wolde
  4. Arnulfo says:
    Jimson. It is an excellent idea to remember this case, but the Film Director was not Bud Greenspan. It was the mexican Alberto Isaac. This video comes from the original movie, named “Olimpiada en Mexico”. After its exhibtion, the movie was loosed and Filmoteca Nacional (an institution from Mexico) looked for the original negatives to make a restoration (I am not sure about the word in English). It was necessary 1 million dollars to get it again. This work was finished between 2005 and 2006.
    Thanks

Trackbacks

  1. [...] pulled hamstring in 1992 Barcelona! However, that race did show us the importance of finishing in the Olympics, and not [...]
  2. [...] 2nd Gold medal with shoes) are followed right to the end showing the last finishers. The 1968 Marathon finish would have its fair share of heroics. Of course, we have Bob Hayes individual 100m victory over [...]
  3. [...] In many ways, this cleanse is like a marathon.  You know from the outset where the finish line is.  Ten days and 26.2 miles is a long way from square one.  Mentally, you know the only way to reach the end is to take the next step–you can’t just jump there.  This is both disconcerting and comforting.  On day 2, one step doesn’t seem to make up much ground.  Somehow, the steps start to add up and you find yourself at day 8.  The next step brings you much closer to the goal. [...]
  4. [...] the finish line, but I will go ahead and finish" I looked it up online – here is the story http://speedendurance.com/2007/07/15/how-to-finish-a-marathon-1968-olympics-in-mexico-city/ Tammy- I was so happy to log on and see you!!! I have missed you! No one can blame you for wanting [...]
  5. [...] to Mexico City next month? 2010-02-01 02:18:44 · Reply · View michellekrusiec: http://speedendurance.com/2007/07/15/how-to-finish-a-marathon-1968-olympics-in-mexico-city/ A revelatory moment. Thanks Dan Kwong. 2010-02-01 02:18:09 · Reply · View [...]
  6. [...] just recently heard the story of Tanzanian Olympic marathon running John Stephen Ahkwari.  While competing in the 1968 marathon he fell early in the race and was injured, ending any hopes [...]

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