Dorando PIETRI
In London in 1908, Italian runner Dorando PIETRI made a big impact, creating a fascination with marathons that involved extreme effort and suffering.
Dorando PIETRI, the epitome of Italian long-distance running excellence
When he was 19, young Dorando worked in a sweet shop. In 1904, on the island of Capri, he surreptitiously joined a race featuring his favourite athlete, Pericle PAGLIANI, and astonishingly crossed the finish line ahead of the star! Within three short years, the tenacious Italian became the Italian champion in both the 5,000-metre and 20-kilometre events.
Londres 1908, marathon Homme, la course olympique de Dorando PIETRI (ITA) (1908) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
London 1908
Dorando PIETRI's Olympic race
London 1908 OG, Athletics, marathon Men - Dorando PIETRI (ITA). (1908-07-13) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
London 1908: Dorando PIETRI's tactical approach
Adopting a negative split approach, the Italian started the race at a leisurely pace, reserving his energy for a powerful surge in the second half. At the 39 kilometre mark, he overtook the American Charles HEFFERON.
London 1908 OG, Athletics, marathon Men - Dorando PIETRI (ITA). (1908-07-13) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
London 1908: Dorando the star
The dramatic footage of the marathon's final moments spread across the globe through early cinematographic newsreels, turning PIETRI into an international icon.
London 1908: the marathon grand finale
After a gruelling ten minutes navigating the last 500 metres, Dorando PIETRI finally crossed the finish line in first place and " broke " the tape.
However, he was later disqualified for receiving assistance from officials.
Londres 1908, marathon Hommes - Dorando PIETRI (ITA) reçoit une coupe spéciale de la reine Alexandra. (1908) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
London 1908: PIETRI is disqualified but rewarded
Queen Alexandra , dismayed that the brave Italian would go home empty-handed, presented him with a special gold cup at the medal ceremony. The Italian runner even performed a victory lap.
Dorando PIETRI's triumphant return to his homeland
The story of his heroic yet unfortunate feat quickly spread across the globe, captivating audiences everywhere. Dorando PIETRI became a celebrity overnight, both in Italy and abroad.
In Capri, he was welcomed as the " champion " of the London 1908 Marathon.
After the dramatic finale of the London Marathon in 1908, a special exhibition race was organised for PIETRI and HAYES at New York's Madison Square Garden in November 1908. PIETRI emerged victorious in this race, defeating Hayes by a margin of 68 metres. A second match was organised for 15 March 1909, and once again PIETRI emerged the winner in an indoor marathon (262 laps!), marking the beginning of "marathon mania". Both athletes turned professional.
PIETRI may have lost the race, but he won the hearts of millions
Although he retired from competition when he was just 26, his unwavering spirit – along with the entire 1908 race – will never be forgotten.
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