Dorando Pietri's Marathon Collapse

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Dorando Pietri's dramatic collapse during the 1908 London Olympics marathon is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Pietri, an Italian long-distance runner, had been gaining momentum throughout the race, eventually overtaking the leader, Charles Hefferon, with just a mile to go. However, his intense effort left him severely exhausted as he entered the stadium. Disoriented, he ran in the wrong direction before being redirected by officials. He then collapsed multiple times, requiring assistance from officials to continue. Despite his valiant effort, Pietri was disqualified due to the outside aid he received. His time was 2 hours 54 minutes 46 seconds, but it was Johnny Hayes who officially won the race. Pietri's ordeal captured the hearts of the spectators and sparked a global marathon craze. He received a special gold cup from Queen Alexandra and became an international celebrity. His story transcended the race itself, symbolizing determination and resilience in the face of adversity.