During the 2000 Sydney Olympics...
Illustration
During the 2000 Sydney Olympics Games, a young man from Guinea named Eric Moussambani became an unlikely hero. Eric was allowed to enter the 100-meter freestyle swimming event under the auspices of a special program of the International Olympic Committee, even though he had only learned to swim six months earlier. During the event, the other two athletes swimming in Eric's heat were disqualified for false starts, so Eric Moussambani swam 100 meters all alone.
At first, the capacity crowd didn't know what to make of Eric. He flailed through the water, never putting his head under and seemed as if he were about to drown. But after laughing through his first 50 meters, the crowd recognized the heart and determination of an athlete. When it appeared as if Eric might not even complete the race, the crowd rose to its feet and cheered him to the finish.
After the race, Eric Moussambani showed his appreciation. "I want to send hugs and kisses to the crowd. It was their cheering that kept me going."
He may have been the slowest competitor by more than a minute, but Eric Moussambani left Sydney as a winner in many people's hearts.
Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first.
At first, the capacity crowd didn't know what to make of Eric. He flailed through the water, never putting his head under and seemed as if he were about to drown. But after laughing through his first 50 meters, the crowd recognized the heart and determination of an athlete. When it appeared as if Eric might not even complete the race, the crowd rose to its feet and cheered him to the finish.
After the race, Eric Moussambani showed his appreciation. "I want to send hugs and kisses to the crowd. It was their cheering that kept me going."
He may have been the slowest competitor by more than a minute, but Eric Moussambani left Sydney as a winner in many people's hearts.
Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first.
