Mexico City is a world away from the East African country of Tanzania, where John Stephen Akhwari lived.
But that’s exactly where he found himself in October 1968, representing his country in the Summer Olympic Games as a marathon runner.
Unfortunately, Akhwari suffered a fall during the race. And it wasn’t a gentle tumble on a grassy knoll. He fell hard on rough concrete, badly cutting his right leg and dislocating his knee.
Medical personnel arrived quickly and bandaged his wounds. But the dislocated knee required more treatment than they could provide in the city streets. He needed to go to the hospital.
But against their advice, Akhwari instead stood up and started down the road behind the rest of the runners.
Why Akhwari Kept On Going
Given the severity of his injuries, he couldn’t run his normal pace. With a combination of jogging, hobbling, and walking, he pushed ahead.
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At 2:20:26 into the race, Mamo Walde of Ethiopia crossed the finish line in first place. Most of the remaining competitors finished within a few minutes. Akhwari was nowhere close.
An hour later, the Olympic stadium had only a few thousand people left in it. The marathon was the last event of the day, and the sun had already set. Mexico City was brutal on the marathon runners. At over 7,400 feet in altitude, the air has 23 percent less oxygen than at sea level. As a result, 17 of the 74 runners failed to finish the race that day. Akhwari, bloodied and injured, did not intend be one of them.
Followed by a police escort, and clearly in great pain, Akhwari finally arrived and limped his way onto the track, his loosening bandages dangling from his leg. As the diminished crowd cheered in awe and disbelief, John Stephen Akhwari made his way around the track and crossed the finish line at 3:25:27, in last place.
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The few remaining reporters rushed onto the field to ask him why he continued running in his condition. He responded simply, “My country didn’t send me 5,000 miles to start this race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it.”
The Takeaway
Akhwari’s dedication became an inspiration to millions, and earned him the title “King without a crown.” To this day, his story is legendary among Olympic athletes and non-athletes alike. People recognize the difference between a starter and a finisher. Be a finisher.
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Paul Smith is a bestselling author who’s newest book, Parenting with a Story, documents 101 inspiring lessons to help you (and your kids) build the kind of character anyone would be proud of. He’s a keynote speaker and trainer on leadership and storytelling based on his bestselling book Lead with a Story. You can find Paul at www.leadwithastory.com and follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Photo by BobMical