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Dorando Pietri finishing the first modern Olympic marathon, London, 1908
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Dorando Pietri finishing the first modern Olympic marathon, London, 1908
Dorando Pietri finishing the first modern Olympic marathon, London, 1908. The marathon at the London Olympics of 1908 was run in ususually hot conditions. Italian athlete Dorando Pietro arrived at the stadium alone in the lead but, suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, he collapsed on the track in a state of disorientation. Officials helped him up and pointed him towards the finishing line which, after falling four more times, he eventually crossed in first place. The last 350 metres of the race had taken him 10 minutes to complete. The American athlete Johnny Hayes finished second and the US team registered a protest at the assistance Pietri had received from the officials. Their protest was upheld and the Italian was disqualified. A print from Olympia 1936, Die Olympischen Spiele 1936, Volume I, Cigaretten-Bilderdienst, Hamburg, 1936
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Media ID 14913812
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Athlete Athletics Bravery Competitor Courage Courageous Determination Determined Encourage Encouragement Encouraging Exhausted Exhaustion Fatigue Finishing Line Hero Heroic Heroism Marathon Official Olympic Games Olympics Race Racing Running Sportsman Track And Field Winner Winning Dehydration Disqualified Dorando Pietri Poignant Print Collector4 Staggering
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the unforgettable moment of Dorando Pietri finishing the first modern Olympic marathon in London, 1908. The scorching heat made this race particularly grueling, and as Pietri reached the stadium alone in the lead, exhaustion and dehydration took their toll on him. In a state of disorientation, he collapsed on the track. Moved by his determination and courage, officials rushed to his aid and pointed him towards the finishing line. Despite falling four more times along those last 350 meters, Pietri summoned every ounce of strength within him to eventually cross it in first place. It took him an astonishing ten minutes to complete that final stretch. However, controversy marred this heroic feat when American athlete Johnny Hayes finished second and lodged a protest against the assistance provided to Pietri by officials. Sadly for Pietri, his disqualification was upheld due to this protest. The image evokes both poignancy and admiration for Pietri's staggering display of bravery amidst extreme fatigue and dehydration. His resilience serves as a testament to human endurance in sports history. This print from Olympia 1936 immortalizes not only Dorando Pietri but also encapsulates the spirit of heroism displayed during that fateful marathon race over a century ago. It stands as a reminder that even in moments of great struggle and adversity, there is room for encouragement and support from fellow competitors or officials alike – qualities that define true sportsmanship at its core.
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