Watching the Winter Olympics, I'm reminded of the opportunities I had to run in Olympic venues and share the excitement with my international competitors.

My first International experience occurred in Stockholm, Sweden. The marathon followed two loops around the historic district and finished inside the Olympic Stadium of 1912.  It was quite exciting to come into the stadium in front of a large enthusiastic crowd.  A Kentucky Derby sized wreath was placed on the male and female winners as they crossed the finish line. Former boxing champions Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson were promoted as competing against each other. Floyd was about 100 pounds lighter and in much better shape but it was good PR for the event. He had an entourage all dressed in white sweats to keep him company. At the pasta dinner prior to the marathon Floyd shocked everyone when he got up to say a few words.  He told the audience that he really didn't like pasta and that what we were eating was the worst pasta he had ever tasted. Some of us weren't sure whether we should be embarrassed or laugh at his sense of humor.

In Seoul, South Korea track athletes and marathoners from around the world were given the opportunity to run and also witness the official opening of the Olympic Stadium of 1988.  It was also a dress rehearsal for the Olympic ceremonies. The President of South Korea attended it and the arena was packed.  The costumes and precision of the performers were impeccable.  I'll never forget the 1000 Tae Kwon Do experts braking boards in unison. The track meet followed the ceremonies and the crowd dwindled from some 60,000 to a few thousand. Marathoners ate and slept in the same facility. It was a great way to bond and learn about other cultures as we shopped for hand made suits in the big discount clothing district.

In Barcelona, Spain the whole town was focused on the upcoming Olympics of 1992.  Marathoners were offered excursions to see some of local culture as well as some of the most unique architecture in the world. Gaudi's Temple of La Sagrada Familia was remarkable. It has been under construction for more than 100 years and still isn't finished.  Again we were able to witness the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremonies in the newly renovated stadium where we were to finish the marathon. 

What still captures my thoughts about international competition was how gracious so many athletes were. I often went head to head with runners like Kjell Erik Stahl of Sweden or Artemio Navarro of Mexico. On some days they would win and on others I was the lucky one. More important was that we had a keen appreciation for our efforts in the marathon. I can still clearly remember the number of times Artemio and I shook hands to congratulate each other, neither able to speak the other's language but totally understanding of one another from the expression in our eyes.  They were priceless moments.

Upcoming event: March 10, 2002, Shamrocks and Shenanigans 5km, Ann Arbor, 10:30 am CONTACT: Larry Bostwick (734) 623-9640 or email: [email protected]