Marathon and closing ceremony

Among the surprising features characterizing the closing ceremony of Atlanta Olympics on Aug. 5, 1996, was the medals ceremony for the Marathon winners: gold to Josia Thugwane of South Africa, silver to Lee Bong-Ju of South Korea and bronze to Eric Wainane of Kenya.

The deliberate choice of the marathon to highlight the event is especially meaningful, as this sport is an endurance contest, and originates from the feat of the Greek runner who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory of the Athenians in a war in Greece in 490 BC.

This image of perseverance was emphasized by the song The Dream of Peace. We feel that a close correlation between the two events exists, as far as their spirit and vision are concerned.

That endurance is needed for peace is well demonstrated by the history of apartheid in South Africa.

Perhaps it was not just a coincidence thatwa South African, Josia Thugwane, won the gold medal in the Atlanta marathon.

Another interesting point is that looking at the medals tally, we may conclude that the riches of an economically advanced country do not necessarily bring medals.

There were 97 countries in the Atlanta Olympics, but only 78 countries won medals, meaning that a majority of countries have still a long, long way to go in their efforts to gain a place among the Olympic medal winners in Sydney and thereafter.

Finally, William Payne, President of the Atlanta Olympics Committee, deserves praise for the delivery of just a simple short speech, thanking the International Olympics Committee for choosing Atlanta to host the Centennial Olympics, fulfilling the dreams of the people and children of Atlanta.

SAM SUHAEDI

Jakarta