Jerry Lai – USA Today Sports
Since the deadly Boston Marathon bombings occurred two months ago, the support for Boston and the bombing victims has been overwhelmingly. Sunday at Boston’s first major race since the bombings, Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia gave back his medal in honor of the Boston Marathon bombings victims.
The Boston Athletic Association‘s 10k race sold out in 13 hours, and many of the 6,400 runners wore blue and gold to support the bombing victims. Desisa unselfishly gave back the first place medal to Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino.
Society and various sports teams have supported Boston and the victims in different ways, and Desisa supported the victims by giving back something that is special to him. He didn’t have to give the medal back, but it was a heartfelt gesture.
In the midst of tragedy, sports tend to unite people together. Sunday’s 10k race and Desisa’s decision showed just that as runners remembered the victims before the race. The bombings will always be in the back of our heads, especially for those who ran the 2013 Boston Marathon.
There were many feel-good moments following the tragedy, and Desisa’s decision is another one of those moments. Desisa made a classy and selfless move by giving up his medal, and unfortunately there will be some people who could care less that he did it. However for many including the bombing victims, his decision shows that he cares about those affected. Likewise, he showed that he runs for reasons bigger than himself.
Phil Naegely is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @pnaegelyRS and add him to your circles on Google.
