The most memorable moments usually are at the finish line..
So imagine this… we are approaching midnight… the cut off for the 17 hour 140.6 mile race of the famous Iron man triathelon competition approaches…
1000s people are at the finish line cheering, celebrating the finishers as they came in to the chute
My friends and I had hoarse voices from screaming, cheering etc all day..but that didn’t stop us… then we heard the announcement
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we have one last potential finisher… he is 1 mile out, let’s bring him home” said Mike Riley (famous announcer) in his deep voice
The thundering and banging against the sides of the gates, the louder the shouting of his name and quicker the pace… “Michael Michael michael” we all yelled…
Our voices carried for over a Mile so that he can hear the support and guide him back the finish line…
He was the last one to make it across in 16 hours 57 min 17 seconds just making the cut off
Then I saw something amazing…..
Heather jackson the women’s #2 champion who was also at the finish floor cheering ran put in his direction to get him…
She caught up with him and ran along side him all the way back to the line.. encouraging him..motivating him amongst all the din of spectators, other finishers from the day
People were crying (me too) as Michael completed his race after a long day
Moral… whether you are first or you are last the race is a trial of wits, stamina, mental and physical endurance… but more over it is a test of spirit…
To witness the support of everyone and the champion going down to get the last athelete running was humbling and emotional…
We are all on theis planet together.. hurtling in space on our blue green planet…. be kinder to each other and to ourselves… this is love
………………
I love you
Picture is of Michael running to the finish line
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