Table of Contents
13 Bizarre Olympians
The Olympic Games have seen their fair share of extraordinary athletes and peculiar stories. As we celebrate the spirit of the games, let’s delve into the unusual and sometimes downright bizarre stories of Olympic participants who have left an indelible mark on history. Here are 13 bizarre Olympians whose stories are as memorable as the events.
1. Félix Carvajal (1904)
Félix Carvajal, a Cuban mailman, ran the marathon in the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. He hitchhiked to the event and ran in street clothes. Along the way, he snacked on apples from an orchard, which gave him stomach cramps, forcing him to nap mid-race. Amazingly, he finished fourth,
2. Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards (1988)
Eddie Edwards represented Great Britain in ski jumping at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Despite his lack of experience and inadequate equipment, he became famous for his enthusiastic and determined performances, finishing last but capturing the hearts of millions/
3. Eric “The Eel” Moussambani (2000)
Eric Moussambani from Equatorial Guinea competed in the 100m freestyle swimming at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Having trained for only eight months and never seen an Olympic-sized pool, his slow and laborious swim won the admiration of spectators for his perseverance.
4. Shizo Kanakuri (1912)
Shizo Kanakuri, a Japanese marathon runner, disappeared during the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. Exhausted, he left the race and stayed with a local family. He returned to Japan without informing the officials, who presumed he was missing for over 50 years until he was invited back to finish the race in 1967 (Mental Floss).
5. Philip Boit (1998)
Philip Boit, a Kenyan cross-country skier, was famously cheered on by Norwegian legend Bjørn Dæhlie as he finished last in the 10km event at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Boit’s story highlighted the spirit of the Olympics and the camaraderie among athletes.
6. Lawrence Lemieux (1988)
Canadian sailor Lawrence Lemieux was in medal contention during the 1988 Seoul Olympics when he abandoned his race to rescue fellow competitors whose boat had capsized. He was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship by the International Olympic Committee.
7. Robel Habte (2016)
Robel Habte, an Ethiopian swimmer, gained attention at the Rio 2016 Olympics for his non-athletic physique. Despite his slow time in the 100m freestyle, he was applauded for his effort and participation, demonstrating that the Olympics are about more than just winning (Mental Floss).
8. Cool Runnings (1988)
The Jamaican bobsled team, made famous by the movie “Cool Runnings,” competed in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Their improbable journey from a tropical island to the icy tracks of bobsledding captivated the world and showcased the Olympic spirit of determination.
9. Vanessa-Mae (2014)
Internationally renowned violinist Vanessa-Mae competed in alpine skiing for Thailand at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Despite finishing last in the giant slalom, her participation highlighted her versatility and passion for sports.
10. George Eyser (1904)
George Eyser, an American gymnast with a wooden leg, competed in the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. Remarkably, he won six medals in one day, including three golds, demonstrating incredible resilience and skill.
11. Paula Barila Bolopa (2000)
Paula Barila Bolopa from Equatorial Guinea participated in the 50m freestyle swimming at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Despite finishing significantly behind her competitors, her determination to complete the race was inspiring.
12. John Pius Boland (1896)
John Pius Boland, an Irish tennis player, won two gold medals at the 1896 Athens Olympics. Initially, he attended the games as a spectator but decided to compete at the last minute, highlighting the spontaneous and adventurous spirit of the early Olympics.
13. Oscar Swahn (1920)
Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn became the oldest Olympian to compete and win a medal at 72 during the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. His participation and success across three Olympics remain a testament to longevity and excellence in sports.
Conclusion
These 13 bizarre Olympic participants exemplify the diverse and extraordinary stories that make the Olympic Games so captivating. Their unique journeys and unforgettable moments highlight the true spirit of the Olympics, where perseverance, sportsmanship, and the unexpected often take center stage.
Feature Image Credit: Swimmingworldmagazine.
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