It's Time to Arise...

His whole life had been building up to this moment. With many hours of training, running, long afternoons, early mornings and cramped legs, John Stevens had been paying the price and preparing for this race at the Olympic Games. John Stevens was a 28 year old athlete with the dream of winning a gold medal while representing his country; Tanzania. Amongst all the runners, he was regarded as the strongest and fastest for the 65 km marathon.  The gun shot and the runners were off. The intensity and strain that these runner’s bodies endure would make most human beings collapse after a few minutes. Kilometre after kilometre and hour after hour; these athletes pushed themselves to the limit. A gold medal and a nation’s pride was in their hands (or legs). The years of preparation was now going to bear fruit. One of these many runners were going to win and John Stevens was in the lead.

After many hours, runners started to cross the finish line. Germany first, USA second and Russia third. No John Stevens. An hour had passed; more crossed while others collapsed over line. Still, there was no sign of John Stevens. By now, dusk had arrived, most of the spectators had left, some of the officials had started to pack up as one runner was still not accounted for; John Stevens. Suddenly, one of Olympic officials pointed to a figure moving in the distance towards them. Slowly, but surely, this athlete hobbled and trudged towards the finishing line. As this man drew closer, the sight of his condition was evidence of his position in the race. John Stevens was making his way down the road, his knees cut open, his arms covered in scrapes and blood, but he continued to move towards the finish. The blood had actually dried to his wounds. John’s face carried the expression of agony and pain as he made his way closer. Medical personal rushed to him, but he warded them off, shouting ‘Leave me alone, leave me alone, I have to finish.’

As John Stevens crossed the finish line, he collapsed onto his knees as medical staff brought him water, bandages and treatment.

By now, Olympic Games officials gathered around this athlete from Tanzania who was favourite to win, but ended up coming stone last, because of his fall.

They said to him ‘John, John, what happened? Why are you so banged up?’ John told them about his tremendous fall on the tar road during the first couple of kilometres. His knees were cut open, his elbows and forearms were scraped and had bled from trying to break the fall. The officials said ‘But, why didn’t you stop and call for help. Why didn’t you stop and get the treatment you needed? You didn’t have to run to end while in pain and agony.’ John looked at the men and women around him. He smiled and said the most powerful words many of them will never forget. He said ‘My country never sent me to start this race. My country sent me to finish this race.’