14. Dorando Pietri Goes The Wrong Way
At only 1.59m tall, Italian born long distance runner, Dorando Pietri was at one point one of the most famous runners in the world. Known for finishing races in his work clothes, Pietri’s first major race came in 1906 after winning the initial qualifying marathon of the Intercalated Games in Athens. Leading the pack by 5 minutes, Pietri was running strong, however he later retired due to illness. Back with a vengeance, he returned 2 years later at the London Olympics in 1908. Famed for being the first Olympics to showcase the official marathon length of 42.2km (26m), the race was by far the number one event. Starting slow, Pietri began to catch up, increasing his speed and pace in quick movements. With only 2k to go, Pietri started to feel the strain with dehydration taking a major stance on his already forlorn body. Nearing the end, Pietri entered the stadium, however, dazed and confused he somehow managed to run the wrong way, falling over as officials tried to redirect him. With over 75,000 spectators cheering him on,he began to climb back up only to fall over again and again. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Pietri stood up one more time, managing to cross the finish line shockingly still in first place. However, as nearby teams began to filter into the stadium, the remaining athletes were unhappy with the treatment that Pietri had received with regards to helping him stand up. Disqualified and stripped of his medal, Pietri was removed from the race completely to a shocked and appalled audience. Thankfully all was not lost, with Pietri becoming an international celebrity due to his dramatic and eventful marathon race.
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