Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

Page 89

The Brave Hearts
The 1500 metre race was still pending. It began after 10-00 pm. To the pleasant surprise of most of the spectators who were still present on the field, Bob Mathias won the event. This 17 year old lad became the greatest and the most versatile sports person of the world.
No one could imagine then that Bob would again appear as a competitor just four years later at the next Olympic meet that was to be held in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, in
Bob Mathias : A Multifaceted Genius 1952. To the astonishment of all, Bob was again there to participate in the same event. But this time while he was taking the long jump, he strained the muscle of his right leg. When that happens to anyone, it should mean the end of the competition for the participant. Everyone thought that Bob would surely retire, particularly when many competitors were still there to follow. His coach too thought likewise; and said to Bob, "My dear, do you really think, you will be able to continue in the event ?"
Bob went near him, put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Don't worry at all. I still think I shall be able to continue."
Despite the strained muscle, Bob Mathias not only
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