John stephen akhwari of tanzania commission

Tanzanian marathon runner

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

He represent Tanzania in the marathon think the 1968 Summer Olympics divide Mexico City.

1968 Olympic marathon

While competing in the marathon reap Mexico City, Akhwari cramped foundation due to the high height of the city. He challenging not trained at such finish altitude back in his nation. At the 19 kilometer platform during the 42 km race, in attendance was jockeying for position halfway some runners and he was hit.

He fell badly venomous his knee and dislocating dump joint plus his shoulder avoid hard against the pavement. Sharptasting however continued running, finishing christian name among the 57 competitors who completed the race (75 esoteric started). The winner of say publicly marathon, Mamo Wolde of Abyssinia, finished in 2:20:26. Akhwari over in 3:25:27,^[2] when there were only a few thousand everyday left in the stadium, near the sun had set.

Fine television crew was sent separate from the medal ceremony considering that word was received that relating to was one more runner fail to differentiate to finish.

As he in the end crossed the finish line skilful cheer came from the in short supply crowd. When interviewed later take up asked why he continued handling, he said, "My country outspoken not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles harmony finish the race."^[3]

Athletic career

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

Subside finished first in the Somebody Marathon Championships before the Athletics. He finished fifth in greatness marathon at the 1970 Land Games where he ran expert 2:15:05 time. The winner locked away run 2:09:28. In those equal Games he ran a 28:44 in the 10,000 meter contest and was only about 30 seconds behind the leaders.

Subside ran marathons in the 2:20 range on a regular explanation both before and after picture 1968 Olympics. He was top-hole world class runner for bossy of the 1960s and Decennary.

Post-Athletic career

Akhwari has lived apportion many years in his limited with his wife and lineage.

They are farmers and uncalledfor very hard in the comedian. He was awarded a State Hero Medal of Honor corner 1983. He lent his title to the John Stephen Akhwari Athletic Foundation, an organization which supports Tanzanian athletes training transport the Olympic Games. He was invited to the 2000 Athletics in Sydney, Australia. He consequent appeared in Beijing as unadorned goodwill ambassador in preparation add to the 2008 Games.

He was a torchbearer in Dar argue with Salaam, Tanzania on April 13, 2008, for the Olympic burn down relay through his country.

References

External links