Marathon Mishaps: Stockholm 1912

The Stockholm 1912 Olympics provided some of the most bizarre and tragicomical moments in Olympic history, particularly in the marathon event. Two marathoners, Shizo Kanakuri from Japan and Francisco Lázaro from Portugal, had extraordinary and ultimately heartbreaking journeys.

Shizo Kanakuri's Marathon Misadventure

Shizo Kanakuri, a Japanese athlete, had to pay his own way to the Games, enduring a long, arduous journey on the Trans-Siberian Express. His experience was further marred by an unpalatable foreign diet and a bedridden coach suffering from tuberculosis. Despite these challenges, Kanakuri set out to compete on a sweltering Swedish summer's day.

Francisco Lázaro's Tragic End

Francisco Lázaro, a fit and hopeful Portuguese carpenter, faced a tragic end. On the same grueling day, he collapsed during the race and died the following day, possibly due to heat exhaustion or an electrolyte imbalance. His death underscored the harsh conditions and lack of proper medical understanding at the time.

The Gentleman’s Agreement Gone Awry

South African marathoners Christian Gitsham and Ken McArthur, running together in the Stockholm marathon, had a gentleman's agreement to stop for water simultaneously. However, McArthur broke the agreement, leaving Gitsham behind and securing the gold medal while Gitsham took silver.

Johnny Hayes’ Unique Celebration

At the 1908 London Olympics, American marathoner Johnny Hayes won gold after Italian runner Dorando Pietri was disqualified for receiving assistance. Hayes celebrated his victory in an unusual way – he was carried around the stadium on a table by his teammates, avoiding the traditional medal bite.

The Plunge and Rope Climbing

Early Olympic events included bizarre competitions like the plunge, where athletes dived into a pool and saw how far they could travel without moving their limbs. Rope climbing was another unusual event where competitors shimmied up a rope as quickly as possible. Both events lacked spectator appeal and were eventually discontinued.

Cultural and Artistic Competitions

Between 1912 and 1948, the Olympics awarded medals for artistic achievements in town planning, sculpture, architecture, music, painting, and literature. Notably, Baron de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, won a gold medal for his poem "Ode to Sport."

Oscar Swahn: The Oldest Olympian

Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn participated in three consecutive Olympics from 1908 to 1920, winning multiple medals. At 72, he became the oldest medalist in Olympic history, a record that still stands.

The First Photo Finish: Los Angeles 1932

The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics introduced photo finishes, leading to the first recorded instance of film deciding a race outcome. American sprinters Eddie Tolan and Ralph Metcalfe finished neck-and-neck in the 100-meter final. Despite identical times, Tolan was awarded gold based on the film analysis, a decision Metcalfe disputed for the rest of his life.

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Early Triumphs and Heroism

When Abebe Bikila returned to Ethiopia after winning the men's marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics, he was celebrated as a hero. Not only did Bikila break the world record, but he also became a symbol of the new African dawn. His victory captured the imagination of people across Africa and the world, marking a departure from the era when only politicians were seen as pan-African heroes.

A Unique Legacy

Bikila, a shepherd from northern Ethiopia, shattered expectations by becoming a world-renowned athlete. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Africa lacked cultural, musical, or sporting heroes of Bikila's stature. His success was a significant milestone, as he was unknown not just as an athlete, but also as an Ethiopian and an African on the global stage.

The Rome Marathon

In the 1960 Rome Olympics, Bikila ran barefoot, a decision born out of necessity and practicality. Initially, the Ethiopian athletes trained in shoes to avoid the embarrassment of appearing too poor to afford them. However, shoes caused blisters, prompting Bikila to revert to running barefoot. His victory, particularly on the cobbled streets of Rome, was a testament to his resilience and unique preparation.

Historic Victory in Tokyo

Bikila's heroism was solidified four years later at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he defended his gold medal and broke the world marathon record once again. Despite undergoing an appendectomy just weeks before the games, Bikila's determination saw him run in Puma shoes this time, marking another historic victory.

Celebrations and Honors

Upon his return to Ethiopia after the Tokyo Olympics, Bikila was honored with parades and gifts, including a Volkswagen Beetle and a house. His achievements elevated him to a status of national and continental pride, symbolizing Africa's arrival on the world stage of distance running.

Nurturing Talent

Bikila's journey was significantly influenced by Onni Niskanen, a Swedish coach who recognized his potential in 1956. Niskanen, who arrived in Ethiopia post-World War II, was instrumental in training Ethiopian athletes and preparing them for international competitions. Their close relationship was pivotal in Bikila's rise to fame.

The 1976 Montreal Olympics Boycott

The 1976 Montreal Olympics were marked by a significant boycott led by African nations in protest against New Zealand's rugby tour of apartheid South Africa. This boycott had far-reaching consequences, preventing many African athletes, including Tanzania's Filbert Bayi and Uganda's John Akii-Bua, from competing.

Filbert Bayi's Missed Opportunity

Filbert Bayi, who had set a world record in the 1500 meters at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, was among those affected by the boycott. His anticipated rematch with New Zealand's John Walker at the Montreal Olympics never happened, depriving the world of what could have been another historic race.

Zimbabwe Women's Hockey Triumph

Amid the boycott, the Zimbabwe women's hockey team seized a unique opportunity at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. With many top teams absent, Zimbabwe's amateur players, who had only recently gained independence, won the gold medal. Their unexpected victory remains a remarkable story of seizing the moment and making history

Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.

Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.

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Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.

Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.

Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.

Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.