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Gabriela Andersen- Schiess
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 ©
Tom Cunningham
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