The Last Man
Perspective
Mexico City Olympics
The Olympics had some other memorable moments for me. I was inspired by John Stephen Akwari of Tanzania, the last man to finish the marathon. His legs were bloody and bandaged. With every step he was in pain, but he pressed on. He was more than an hour behind the winner.
There were only a few spectators in the stands when he got there. Before a stunned audience he made his painful way around the track. At first there was silence and then the roar of the small crowd, encouraging this remarkable athlete. They cheered him on as if he were the winner of the race.
When Akhwari was asked why had he kept running, since he had no chance of winning, Akhwari answered, "I don't think you understand. My country did not send me to Mexico to start the race. They sent me to finish the race."
by Tallulah Dancier
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