Another touching story from the Olympics, John Stephen Akhwari finished last in the 1968 Olympic Marathon but he was the one remembered due to his unbelievable feat of perseverance and determination. During the race he fell, badly cutting his knee and dislocating the joint. Rather than quitting, he continued running. Watch this amazing video about his mark in Sports history:

“It was almost 7pm in Mexico City, 1968. One hour earlier the winners of the 26 mile Olympic marathon had crossed the finish line. It had been a grueling hot day as the high altitude affected all the athletes. The sky was beginning to darken and most of the stadium was empty. As the last few spectators were preparing to leave, police sirens and flashing lights caught their attention. A lone runner, wearing the colours of Tanzania had just emerged through the stadium gate. Limping, with his leg bandaged he found the last of his endurance to step up his pace and finish the race. His name was John Stephen Akhwari.”

“My country did not send me to 5,000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.” – John Stephen Akhwari.

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