Hi there, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.
As we draw near to the end of 2016, I thought it would be good to look back and reflect upon the best moments in 2016 in the world of running.
This year, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt took the title of the world’s fastest runner – making it the third consecutive Olympic Games he had done so. Bolt also became the first athlete to win three consecutive gold medals in the 100 metres. But it didn’t stop there. Just four days later Bolt achieved the same feat in the 200 metres, in which he earnt himself a ‘triple double’. However, Bolt was slightly disappointed with his time of 19.78, in what was probably the last individual race of his Olympic career, as he wanted to break his own world record.
Possibly the most touching running moment of 2016, and arguably most people’s favourite, is when brothers Jonny and Alistair Brownlee showed that it really is taking part that counts. At the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Mexico this September, the brothers showed a moving display of love. When Jonny was close to collapse, elder brother Alistair took his arm for the last few moments of the race, and then pushed him over the finish line. This moment is sure to be memorable for many years to come.
Who can forget when Ben Smith, a 34 year old from Bristol, ran 10,506 miles in just over a year? Even for a seasoned runner, that is an epic distance to run in a lifetime – the equivalent of running London to Sydney in fact. Smith decided to try and run 401 marathons in 401 days, and in the process went through 22 pairs of trainers, burnt more than 2.5 million calories, and managed to raise £250,000 for charities Stonewall and Kidscape. Smith chose these charities after being bullied himself and attempting suicide twice as a youngster. During his recovery, a friend suggested joining running club, and Smith never looked back.
Another moving moment tops the best moments of 2016, taking place during the women’s 5000m qualifying heat at the Rio Olympics. Athletes Nikki Hamblin and Abbey D’Agostino collided halfway through the fifth lap. In a surprising move, US runner D’Agostino helped her fellow athlete to to her feet, instead of simply continuing past her. As a result, New Zelander Hamblin finished in 29th place, and D’Agostino finished 30th. The pair were applauded for their good sportsmanship.
Do these top your favourite running moments of2016? Let me know on social media!
Until next time,
Mohsin Salya