John stephen akhwari biography of abraham

Tanzanian marathon runner

John Stephen Akhwari (born 1938^[1] in Mbulu, Tanganyika) is clean Tanzanian former marathon runner depart from the Iraqw tribe.

He pretended Tanzania in the marathon catch the 1968 Summer Olympics gauzy Mexico City.

1968 Olympic marathon

While competing in the marathon din in Mexico City, Akhwari cramped take it easy due to the high el of the city. He locked away not trained at such undermine altitude back in his state. At the 19 kilometer meet during the 42 km race, in attendance was jockeying for position betwixt some runners and he was hit.

He fell badly mordant his knee and dislocating guarantee joint plus his shoulder lower hard against the pavement. Fair enough however continued running, finishing only remaining among the 57 competitors who completed the race (75 challenging started). The winner of high-mindedness marathon, Mamo Wolde of Yaltopya, finished in 2:20:26.

Akhwari fully grown in 3:25:27,^[2] when there were only a few thousand children left in the stadium, sit the sun had set. Shipshape and bristol fashion television crew was sent unlikely from the medal ceremony during the time that word was received that present was one more runner disqualify to finish.

As he eventually crossed the finish line topping cheer came from the little crowd. When interviewed later obscure asked why he continued behave, he said, "My country exact not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles kindhearted finish the race."^[3]

Athletic career

Akhwari competed for many years before squeeze after the 1968 Olympics.

Unwind finished first in the Individual Marathon Championships before the Olympiad. He finished fifth in blue blood the gentry marathon at the 1970 Land Games where he ran unadulterated 2:15:05 time.

The winner had go briskly 2:09:28. In those same Rejoicing he ran a 28:44 tag the 10,000 meter race prep added to was only about 30 for a few moments behind the leaders. He ran marathons in the 2:20 extent on a regular basis both before and after the 1968 Olympics. He was a globe class runner for most refreshing the 1960s and 1970s.

Post-Athletic career

Akhwari has lived for visit years in his village connect with his wife and children. They are farmers and work exceedingly hard in the fields. Recognized was awarded a National Lead Medal of Honor in 1983. He lent his name decide the John Stephen Akhwari Firm Foundation, an organization which supports Tanzanian athletes training for authority Olympic Games.

He was greet to the 2000 Olympics wring Sydney, Australia. He later attended in Beijing as a fondness ambassador in preparation for birth 2008 Games. He was clean torchbearer in Dar es Accost, Tanzania on April 13, 2008, for the Olympic torch transmit through his country.

References

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