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Gabriela Andersen- Schiess

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On the 5th August 1984 the first ever Olympic womens marathon took place.Fifty runners took part and forty four completed the race.

The gold medal was won by Joan Benoit of the U.S.A, silver medal was won by Grete Waltz of Norway and the bronze medal won by Rosa Mota of Portugal.

Gabriela Andersen-Schiess finished 37th and suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration never gave up and crossed the finish line unaided.

Gabriela Andersen-Schiess was a long-distance runner Who ran a marathon in the heat of a Californian Summer It was the Los Angeles Olympics in nineteen eighty-four You might remember it well and the crowd's thunderous roar. It was the first women’s marathon that ever took place Fifty women athletes took part in that twenty-six-mile race America came first with Joan Benoit winning the gold But Gabriela’s very inspiring story has often been told. All the athletes lined up and the marshal fired the starting gun The women’s inaugural Olympic marathon had now just begun It was a beautiful summer day with temperatures starting to rise But the heat and high humidity took many runners by surprise. Joan Benoit and others started running at incredible fast paces Many runners struggled in the heat, it was etched on their faces Some runners hope for a medal was now starting to diminish But kept going hoping to complete it for an honourable finish. Toward the end of the race the Coliseum stadium came into view Six of the heat struck runners had given up unable to see it through Gabriela needed hydration but had missed the last water station The only thing she had left now was her spirit and determination. Her mind was firmly focused on completing that gruelling race But the intense heat had taken its toll slowing down her pace She entered the vast stadium with just one lap to complete The crowd saw her stagger in, and they were up on their feet. She appeared punch drunk, and her legs started to give way Concerned medics approached her but she waved them away Her body was starting to shut down, but mentally she was fine Gabriela was more determined than ever to cross that finish line. Swaying to the left and to the right she was all over the track But Gabriela kept focused she knew there was no turning back Her body showed signs of fatigue, and she was badly dehydrated But she managed to cross the finish line, and the crowd were elated. Medics rushed to her aid, and she was taken off on a stretcher Amazingly a couple of hours later she was feeling much better She knew she'd never get another chance at the age of thirty-nine It was her fighting spirit and determination that got her over the line. Athletes from the world over were full of praise and admiration For showing true Olympic spirit and her unwavering determination Gabriela finished thirty seventh, but she had caused a sensation And her never giving up attitude was for many a great inspiration.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 8/21/2024 9:35:00 PM
Thanks for your well-written, vivid, inspirational, epic poem reminding me of this. It brings the footage of her finish back into my mind's eye. I'm from the Los Angeles area, and while I didn't see the race in person, it brings back the memory of how I was visiting a dear friend of mind in Hollywood near the part of race route, which also, if I recall, passed close to my place on the West Side.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/21/2024 9:41:00 PM
Thank you very much David, Olympics come and go and many new records are broken but watching her struggle as she swayed to the left and right of the track has always stayed in my mind. She finished 37th but the crowd loved her for never giving up. She collapsed at the end and taken to hospital, two hours later she was back on her feet. The next one I believe is again in L A. Hope you're keeping well David, Tom
Date: 8/15/2024 1:28:00 AM
Wow what a inspirational woman! That's the motto "never give up"! Well done! Another favourite for me -)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/15/2024 1:44:00 AM
Thank you very much Lisa, I remember it well and was willing her to get over the line. Thanks too for faving it. Tom
Date: 3/20/2020 12:23:00 AM
Tom, a true celebration of the Olympic spirit - higher, faster, stronger even in the face of the worst possible odds. Thank you for celebrating her courage - a lesson for all of us!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/20/2020 12:58:00 AM
Thanks Sam, I was amazed when I first saw the video of her crossing the line, such determination, she must be related to us lol. Truly a great inspiration to us all. Tom
Date: 7/13/2018 11:36:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. Informative and inspirational!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/14/2018 2:24:00 AM
Thank you Susan, she was indeed an amazing athlete. Tom.
Date: 7/13/2018 11:07:00 PM
A beautiful tribute to an inspirational woman and athlete. Congratulations on your wonderful win with your excellent poem. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/14/2018 2:23:00 AM
Thank you very much Susan, she is indeed a great inspiration to us all, I'm glad I've honoured her in some way. Enjoy the weekend Tom
Date: 7/13/2018 5:54:00 PM
Back again to say congratulations on your awesome win..... Hugs Eve
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/13/2018 5:58:00 PM
Thank you Eve, she was a true Olympian for sure. Tom
Date: 7/13/2018 3:22:00 PM
Congratulations Tom. Well deserved!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/13/2018 5:34:00 PM
Thank you Haley, had wanted to do one in her honour for a while now, finally got round to it. She's a real inspiration. Tom
Date: 7/12/2018 9:45:00 AM
Really nice story Tom, congrats on a fine placement!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/12/2018 10:16:00 AM
Thank you very much John, and thanks for hosting. Tom.
Date: 6/13/2018 6:32:00 AM
What an amazing story Tom and what an amazing poem you have composed, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and thanks for sharing. :))
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/13/2018 6:53:00 AM
Thank you very much Roy, she didn't win a medal but she won admiration from around the world, I felt I had to honour her in some way. Tom
Date: 6/12/2018 11:18:00 AM
Just love this write, which hearkens back really to the first poems ever written (Beowulf, Canterbury Tales), etc., because it tells a (heroic) story. Rather, you've told a heroic story, Tom! ~ Gershon
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/12/2018 12:18:00 PM
Thank you Gershon, dispute the odds being stacked up against her she never gave up, such a strong character she was.Great inspiration to us all not just in sport but in all we do Tom
Date: 6/12/2018 5:59:00 AM
What determination and spirit this brave lady had, and how well you have captured it Tom. Bravo both for you and her. Its feel good stories like this that makes one's day. Thank you....Maria hugs
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/12/2018 8:00:00 AM
Thank you so much Maria, I had been planning to honour her achievement for a while now and finally finished it, she is an amazing inspiration. Tom.
Date: 6/11/2018 6:25:00 AM
Wow... kudos to Demetrios! Impressive! A great write Tom, describing the grit and determination of this courageous athlete!! I can still recall this like it was yesterday!!!!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/11/2018 7:08:00 AM
Thanks Jack, yes it was an amazing performance, she could have easily given in but she kept on, great inspiration.
Date: 6/10/2018 8:58:00 PM
Wow, I feel like I just watched this race and was cheering for Gabrielle to finish. Completing a marathon is an achievement in itself, so she could be proud. Outstanding poetry, Tom. You had my heart pounding... Hugs, carolyn
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/10/2018 9:28:00 PM
Thank you Carolyn, glad you enjoyed it, yes it was an incredible achiement for her and even today she inspires athletes, there is a video on YouTube of her dramatic finish. Tom
Date: 6/10/2018 8:19:00 PM
An amazing tribute for an amazing lady, and the occasion. Inspirational, thanks for sharing. Mick
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/10/2018 8:47:00 PM
She was indeed Mick, I'll never forget her dramatic finish and she gained admiration the world over. Tom
Date: 6/10/2018 6:33:00 PM
An inspiration to us all Tom; what fantastic determination! Great story Tom!~Che :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/10/2018 8:50:00 PM
She is indeed Cheryl, a true Olympian and a great inspiration, she certainly lived up to that saying Never give up' . Tom
Date: 6/10/2018 6:22:00 PM
I never heard any of this before since I do not follow Olympics. Also I am very surprised women were not even participating until the 1980's??? In anything? wow, how far we have come, if that's the case. That was a lovely retelling of the story, Tom
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/10/2018 8:54:00 PM
Thanks Andrea, Women had been running marathons' but not in the Olympics and it took lot of campaigning and behind the scenes meetings to get it instated in future games. Thankfully we have come a long way in making things equal for all genders. Tom
Date: 6/9/2018 8:21:00 PM
Nicely done,Tom,and great information... One of my best activities I enjoyed when I was younger " Running" .. ..hugs eve
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/10/2018 1:48:00 AM
Thanks Eve, there is no better sport, I dont run know but still go out Cycling, got to keep moving. Tom
Date: 6/9/2018 10:19:00 AM
A narrative in rhyme excellently delivered, Tom! I well remember those Olympics and especially that marathon race! Athletes such as Gabriela are an inspiration to others. Regards // paul
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/9/2018 12:02:00 PM
Thanks Paul, Its certainly a race I've never forgotten, yes you're right ,a true inspiration to all of us. Tom
Date: 6/9/2018 9:18:00 AM
What great story telling. I enjoyed this heroic tale.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/9/2018 11:59:00 AM
Thank you Richard, it is an impressive story, I've been planning to honour her achievement for a while now and finally wrote it. Tom
Date: 6/9/2018 6:47:00 AM
I recall this Marathon race for I watched it to the last second. You see my friend Tom, I was a marathon runner myself with a record of 2h 38 min, 12sec. Your description of the race is captivating and touching. I was moved as much as everybody else with the determination this lady has shown! Excellent work my friend!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/9/2018 11:56:00 AM
Thank you I have never run a marathon but I do admire them that run them ,that is an impressive time Demetrios, Every time I see that clip I am moved by her determination and spirit.An example to us all. Tom
Date: 6/8/2018 2:18:00 PM
she is the winner for inner strength and perseverance... a remarkable poem of deep integrity, tom.. huggs
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 2:32:00 PM
Indeed she was Nette, thank you very much. Tom
Date: 6/8/2018 8:20:00 AM
The best are not always first! Love the tribute and narrative! Blessings, Tom!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 11:29:00 AM
Thank you very much Kim. Tom
Date: 6/8/2018 7:46:00 AM
- An impressive effort and lady ... Wooow ... - A wonderful writing, Tom - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 8:11:00 AM
Thank you Sunshine, indeed she was. Enjoy the weekend. Tom
Date: 6/8/2018 6:49:00 AM
what an incredible story Mick , she's an inspirational lady and proof that we should never give up from achieving our dreams:-) hugs Jan xx
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 6:55:00 AM
Thanks very much Jan, she has always been an inspiration to me, have watched her completing the race many times, what an incredible lady she is. Tom
Date: 6/8/2018 6:43:00 AM
Wow! Tom, a sports' history lesson, a valiant memory of great inspiration, and all SUPERBLY well penned with impeccable rhythmic, rhyming flow. Simply awesome! Have a great Friday and weekend. :) ~ Artsie
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 6:58:00 AM
Thank you very much Artsie, glad you enjoyed it, hope you have a great weekend too. Tom.

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