SPORT

The Man Who Lost A Race But Won The Hearts Of Millions

The story of one man’s determination and courage to finish a race

Dorando Pietri of Italy, on the verge of collapse, is helped across the finish line in the Marathon event of the Olympic Games in London, 24th July 1908. He was subsequently disqualified and the title was given to John Hayes of the USA. Photo in the public domain.

“It is horrible, yet fascinating, this struggle between a set purpose and an utterly exhausted frame.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle describing Pietri’s finish.

Johnny Hayes was furious. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. Ahead of him was Dorando Pietri being helped across the line by race officials. Hayes called it foul play rather than the spirit of the Olympics. He desired nothing more than to be recognized as the greatest marathon runner in the world.

Hayes had let ego take over. It turns out, he was a rather sore loser.

Some had suggested it was in retaliation for Fred Lorz at the previous Olympic Games. Lorz, despite 90-degree heat, had arrived back into the stadium looking fresh like some modern-age Superman. He raced around the stadium on his victory lap with the energy and enthusiasm of a man unaffected by the rigors of marathon running. Suspicions were confirmed when Lorz had been found guilty of cheating and promptly stripped of his title. Lorz, suffering from cramp during the race, was taken by car back to the stadium.