Today, after 48 years the Olympic Games will be held in a Latin American city. The previous time was in Mexico City in 1968, and in lieu of the today´s opening ceremonies of Rio 2016, I would like to share with you my favorite Olympic story, which I think is worth it because is a tale of never giving up and always keep focused in your life objectives.

I love the stories behind the scenes of those who never won a medal, but competed with pride, courage and to the best of their abilities, giving us all someone not only to cheer for, but to be inspired by. One of those people is John Stephen Akhwari.

I wasn’t even born when this happened but to me is the best story because it represents what the Olympics are all about.

John Stephen Akhwari, from Tanzania (photo), was at that time a world class distance runner in the 1960´s and early 70´s, and at the marathon race of the Mexico 68 Olympics, he gave us one of a kind courageous running, one at another level, one of another kind. His story is not about winning gold, is about persistence and never giving up.

Approximately 19 km into the 42 km race in downtown Mexico City, there was jostling between some runners and Akhwari fell badly. He wounded his knee and his shoulder; also hit the pavement hard against the pavement. In fact, his leg was bleeding and his knee was apparently dislocated. Medical staff urged him to withdraw. He said no and continued running.

Actually, it was a mix of walking and a slow limping run at points. He finished last among the 57 competitors who completed the race. The winner of the marathon, Mamo Walde from Ethiopia, had finished in 2:20:26. Akhwari finished well over an hour later, in 3:25:27.

By then, the sun had set, and there were only a few thousand people left in the stadium. But of course, as he finally crossed the finish line a cheer came from the small crowd. A television crew was diverted from a medal ceremony and caught this courageous man’s agonizing finish.

When interviewed later and asked why he ignored the advice to pull out and continued running, Akhwari said:

“My country did not send me 10,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.”

As a matter of fact, of the 75 who started the 1968 Olympic Marathon, 18 others did pull out.

Maybe, without knowing it, Akhwari gave us the greatest lesson ever:

Walking or running, stumbling or limping, it doesn’t matter. Finish the race.

As I recall this story, I’m reminded of all of the obstacles that are placed in front of us in life. Criticisms, knock-backs, periods of ill health, disappointments, unanswered prayers and what we perceive as bad luck.

But we’re not to be defined by what happens to us, we’re to be defined by our response to these events.

We have two options: roll over and give up, or be like John Stephen Akhwari. We can grit our teeth, push through the pain and step by step move closer to the finish line, achieving something remarkable and inspiring others in the process.

What story from the history of the Olympics inspires you the most?

If you would like to watch the official video of this race, go to YouTube at: https://youtu.be/c4n_8hpkDEg