Dorando Pietri

Dorando Pietri (1885–1942) was an Italian marathon runner who became famous for his dramatic finish in the marathon at the…

By Staff , in Runners , at September 5, 2024 Tags: marathon, runners

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Dorando Pietri (1885–1942) was an Italian marathon runner who became famous for his dramatic finish in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics. Although Pietri did not win the race due to disqualification, his heroic effort and perseverance in completing the marathon under extreme physical distress captured the imagination of the public, making him an international sensation.

Early Life and Career
Born in Italy: Dorando Pietri was born on October 16, 1885, in Mandrio, near Carpi, in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. He worked as a shop assistant in a local shop and developed a passion for running at a young age.

Beginnings as a Runner: Pietri’s first involvement in competitive running came in 1904, when he participated in a local race and won, despite being relatively unknown. His victory encouraged him to pursue long-distance running more seriously. By 1905, Pietri had earned recognition in Italy as a talented distance runner, especially in marathons.

Italian Champion: Pietri became the Italian marathon champion, cementing his reputation as one of Italy’s top long-distance runners. His success in national competitions set the stage for his participation in the 1908 London Olympics, where he would earn international fame.

1908 London Olympics: The Marathon
The Marathon Race:
The Course: The marathon at the 1908 London Olympics was unique in its distance. The official distance of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometers) was established for the first time at these games, after Queen Alexandra requested that the race start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the royal box in the White City Stadium.

The Race Begins: Pietri was one of 56 runners who started the marathon on July 24, 1908. Although Pietri was not initially among the favorites to win, he ran a well-paced race and gradually moved up through the field. In the final miles, he overtook the lead runner, Charles Hefferon of South Africa, and entered the stadium in first place.

Dramatic Finish:
Physical Collapse: Pietri entered White City Stadium after running nearly 26 miles, but the extreme heat and exhaustion had taken a severe toll on his body. He was visibly struggling as he entered the stadium, and he collapsed multiple times on the track, just yards from the finish line. His disoriented and fatigued state caused him to stagger in the wrong direction before being helped to his feet by concerned officials.

Aid from Officials: Although the rules at the time prohibited assistance, officials and doctors on the track helped Pietri stand up and guided him toward the finish line. He collapsed a total of five times during the final stretch of the race but ultimately crossed the finish line first, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 46 seconds.

Disqualification:
Protest by the U.S. Team: Despite crossing the finish line first, Pietri’s victory was immediately protested by the U.S. team, as the second-place runner, Johnny Hayes, was an American. The U.S. team argued that Pietri had received illegal assistance from officials, and as a result, he was disqualified. Johnny Hayes was declared the official winner of the marathon.

Public Sympathy for Pietri: Although Pietri was disqualified, his courageous effort and dramatic collapse made him an instant hero. The spectators at the stadium were moved by his determination to finish the race despite his physical condition. The press widely covered the event, and Pietri’s story became a symbol of perseverance.

After the 1908 Olympics
Gifts and Recognition:
Gift from Queen Alexandra: Queen Alexandra, moved by Pietri’s efforts, presented him with a gold cup the day after the race as a token of recognition for his remarkable performance. This gesture further solidified Pietri’s place in public memory as a heroic figure, despite his official disqualification.

Public Fame: Pietri’s fame spread internationally, and he was celebrated as one of the greatest marathon runners of his time. He became a popular figure in both Europe and the United States, and his name became synonymous with determination and the spirit of the marathon.

Professional Running Career:
Exhibition Races in the U.S.: After the Olympics, Pietri took advantage of his fame by turning professional and embarking on a series of exhibition races in the United States. He competed in several head-to-head races against Johnny Hayes, including highly publicized rematches. Pietri won many of these races, though they were often shorter than a full marathon.

Success as a Professional: Pietri’s professional career was successful, and he continued to compete in races across Europe and the United States for several years. Although his marathon win at the 1908 Olympics was controversial, his athletic prowess and resilience earned him a loyal following.

Later Life and Legacy
Retirement from Racing: Pietri retired from competitive running in 1911, after a brief but illustrious career. He continued to be a celebrated figure in Italy and internationally. Pietri invested in a hotel in Italy and lived a relatively quiet life after his retirement from athletics.

Death and Legacy: Dorando Pietri passed away on February 7, 1942, at the age of 56. His legacy as one of the most memorable marathon runners in history endures, and his 1908 Olympic performance remains a defining moment in the history of the Olympic Games.

Symbol of Endurance: Pietri’s perseverance and determination in the face of physical collapse made him a symbol of the Olympic spirit. His story is often cited as an example of the importance of effort and resilience over victory itself. The image of Pietri struggling toward the finish line, aided by officials, is one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.