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

Gabriela Anderson Scheiss was a long distance runner Who ran the marathon in the Californian Summer It was the Los Angeles Olympics in nineteen eighty four You probably saw that race and heard the crowds roar. The first women’s Olympic marathon to ever take place Fifty women runners took part in that gruelling race America came first and Joan Benoit took the gold But Gabriela’s inspiring story has often been told. Fifty runners lined up and the starter fired the gun The first ever women’s marathon had just begun A lovely summer’s day, temperatures starting to rise It was going to be a scorcher with lovely blue skies. Joan Benoit took the lead at an incredible fast pace Many runners were struggling it was etched in their face Some runner’s hopes for a medal were starting to diminish Now all they could hope for was an honourable finish. At the end of the race the coliseum was in sight Already six of the runners had given up the fight The last water station Gabriela failed to see Her mind was now focused on her own victory. Not for any medal but to just finish the race But heat took its toll and slowed down her pace She entered the stadium with one lap to complete The crowds saw her enter and got on their feet. She appeared punch drunk and started to sway Medics approached her but she waved them away Her body was shutting down but her mind was fine She was determined as ever to cross the finish line. Going left, going right she was all over the track But she kept focused there was no going back Her whole body was severely dehydrated But she crossed the line, the crowds were elated. Athletes the world over were full of admiration For her true Olympic spirit and determination Her efforts that day were quite an inspiration She finished thirty seventh but caused a sensation. Written 8th June 2018 For best rhyming poem sponsored by John Hamilton

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Sam Kauffman

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!

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

Susan Gentry

Date: 7/13/2018 11:36:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. Informative and inspirational!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/14/2018 2:24:00 AM

Thank you Susan, she was indeed an amazing athlete. Tom.

Susan Ashley

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

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

Eve Roper

Date: 7/13/2018 5:54:00 PM

Back again to say congratulations on your awesome win..... Hugs Eve

Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/13/2018 5:58:00 PM

Thank you Eve, she was a true Olympian for sure. Tom

Haley Fisher

Date: 7/13/2018 3:22:00 PM

Congratulations Tom. Well deserved!

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

John Hamilton

Date: 7/12/2018 9:45:00 AM

Really nice story Tom, congrats on a fine placement!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/12/2018 10:16:00 AM

Thank you very much John, and thanks for hosting. Tom.

Roy Pett

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. :))

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

Gershon Wolf

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

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

Maria Williams

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

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.

Jack Ellison

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!!!!

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.

Carolyn Devonshire

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

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

Mick Talbot

Date: 6/10/2018 8:19:00 PM

An amazing tribute for an amazing lady, and the occasion. Inspirational, thanks for sharing. Mick

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

Cheryl Hoffman

Date: 6/10/2018 6:33:00 PM

An inspiration to us all Tom; what fantastic determination! Great story Tom!~Che :)

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

Andrea Dietrich

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

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

Eve Roper

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

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

Paul Callus

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

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

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 6/9/2018 9:18:00 AM

What great story telling. I enjoyed this heroic tale.

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

Demetrios Trifiatis

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!

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

Nette Onclaud

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

Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 2:32:00 PM

Indeed she was Nette, thank you very much. Tom

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 6/8/2018 8:20:00 AM

The best are not always first! Love the tribute and narrative! Blessings, Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 11:29:00 AM

Thank you very much Kim. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 6/8/2018 7:46:00 AM

- An impressive effort and lady ... Wooow ... - A wonderful writing, Tom - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/8/2018 8:11:00 AM

Thank you Sunshine, indeed she was. Enjoy the weekend. Tom

Jan Allison

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

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

Artsieladie Sharon Donnelly

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

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.