The Marathon Makers简介：

At the 1908 Summer Olympics, one of the contenders in the marathon was the diminutive Italian Dorando Pietri. After leading the pack at a grueling pace, Pietri staggered into the stadium, turned the wrong direction, and fell five times, after which two officials took him by the arms and brought him across the finish line. The American team lodged a complaint, and as a consequence, Pietri was disqualified and his first place medal went to the American Johnny Hayes. But the glory went to Pietri, who eventually became an international celebrity and received a silvered cup from Queen Alexandria for his efforts. After the race, Hayes and a Scottish sprinter, Wyndham Halswelle, were dragged into a dispute surrounding the race’s official outcome, and a fierce war over sporting superiority between the United States and the British Empire resulted. The battle rapidly spilled over into politics and ethics, with allegations of cheating, drug-taking, and unprofessionalism levied by both nations. Bestselling author John Bryant delves into the lives of these three extraordinary men in a tale that stretches from rural Italy to Ellis Island, Broadway and beyond and explores the foundations of the modern sporting and marathon movements.

If you enjoyed the story of Chariots of Fire, there is a good chance you will like this book. It chronicles the lives of three competitors at the 1908 Olympics much like Chariots of Fire did with the British sprinters whose lives and motivations were contrasted so effectively as they prepared for the 1924 Olympics in Paris. You don't need to be a runner to enjoy the story. The trials and tribulations of the modern Olympic movement are highlighted as well as the rivalry between Britain and the United States. Many sports fans may have seen the famous photos and movie of the Italian runner Dorando Pietri falling repeatedly as he neared the finish of the marathon race (the first run at the modern distance of 26 miles 385 yards). Runners will certainly appreciate the mile-by-mile (not literally, more of a Reader's Digest version)description of the Olympic marathon race and it's unforgettable finish. But it's a good read for any sports fan who appreciates the history behind an event.

书籍提及的人物：

Dorando Pietri_道多兰多·佩特里_失败的英雄_马拉松终点前因被人扶着冲刺而被取消冠军的意大利选手-历史人物-跑步百科
//www.nduoke.com/renwubaike/dorando-pietri

相关奥运会资料：

第4届奥林匹克运动会（1908年英国伦敦奥运会）马拉松比赛成绩资料、选手故事及赛事总结
//www.nduoke.com/paobushuju/olympic-games-marathon-results-1908

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