Out of the cold darkness he came. John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg bloody and bandaged. The winner of the marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on.
As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterward, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally, he answered:
"My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish."
Findlay, Ohio – September 4, 2008
Although the Ravelympics ended with the Olympic Closing Ceremonies on August 28, 2008 – a mere six days ago – I limped to the finish on my Hemlock Ring blanket. I could be very dramatic and say that my knitting fingers were bloodied and battered, but the truth is, it's just been too freakin hot to sit around with a lap full of wool blanket!
Still, I pressed on through 95 degree days in September. My pride didn't just get me into this race. . .it forced me to finish!
These photos are before blocking. The finished size of this beast will be about 6 feet across!
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