Do not give up! Story of Gabrielle Andersen

Sunday 20 January 2013

Gabrielle Andersen-Schiess was a marathon runner, born in Switzerland. In the Summer Olympics 1984, during the women's marathon, Gabrielle, completely dehydrated and was disoriented by the effort in the heat, in addition to having a strong cramp in her left leg, stumbled in the last 200 meters of the marathon taking 10 minutes to complete them, before falling unconscious in the arms of doctors at the finishing line. Refused medical assistance, resisted calls to give up and shuffled to the finish line after a whole round at the Olympic she wanted to finish the course because that might be her last chance in the Olympics due to be thirty-nine years. She just came in 37th place among 44 runners, but she was more applauded than gold medalist Joan Benoit.

The fact is considered to this day one of the greatest examples of perseverance, courage and Olympic spirit.

 It also served to change the rules. Thereafter it became possible for an athlete marathon to receive medical care without being disqualified, unless  carried or helped to move.

This is a way of saying that all our dreams can be accomplished, just fight, believe and work, and so everything will be alright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZFNiuuApFU

Telma Soares 11º B