Uploaded March 2012 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
1968 Olympics. Awesome commitment and inner strength of John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania to complete the marathon that his country sent him to finish, not just start.
Where in your life do you need to finish the race? Is it the 11th hour of your race? Finish YOUR race. Don't give up, just pace yourself and stay focused on your goal: getting to the finish line.
"It was almost 7pm in Mexico City, 1968. One hour earlier the winners of the 26 mile Olympic marathon had crossed the finish line. It had been a grueling hot day as the high altitude affected all the athletes. The sky was beginning to darken and most of the stadium was empty. As the last few spectators were preparing to leave, police sirens and flashing lights caught their attention. A lone runner, wearing the colours of Tanzania had just emerged through the stadium gate. Limping, with his leg bandaged he found the last of his endurance to step up his pace and finish the race. His name was John Stephen Akhwari."
1968 Olympics. Awesome commitment and inner strength of John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania to complete the marathon that his country sent him to finish, not just start.
Where in your life do you need to finish the race? Is it the 11th hour of your race? Finish YOUR race. Don't give up, just pace yourself and stay focused on your goal: getting to the finish line.
"It was almost 7pm in Mexico City, 1968. One hour earlier the winners of the 26 mile Olympic marathon had crossed the finish line. It had been a grueling hot day as the high altitude affected all the athletes. The sky was beginning to darken and most of the stadium was empty. As the last few spectators were preparing to leave, police sirens and flashing lights caught their attention. A lone runner, wearing the colours of Tanzania had just emerged through the stadium gate. Limping, with his leg bandaged he found the last of his endurance to step up his pace and finish the race. His name was John Stephen Akhwari."
