A Beautiful Win

Posted by Darin_Markwardt

Posted: November 2, 2009 - 3:36 am

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He was born into a world at war. At the edge of a tormented continent, in a place called Eritrea.

It was a nation where 12 year olds were routinely used as soldiers. Where a civil war was the half time show in a 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia…

And these were just the external conflicts. Internally, the boy’s family lived without electricity or running water. Life was hard.

Wanting a better life for his family, the boy’s father walked 600 miles to Sudan. With the help of a relative, the father was able to fly to Italy. Five years later, he sent for his family.

Two years after the Italian move, the family immigrated to the United States. To California.

The boy couldn’t speak English and he wore different clothes. The other kids made fun of him; teased him.

Until one day, everything changed. The class had a contest to see who could run a mile in under 6:15. The young man ran 5:20. Respect followed.

He was now 12 years old. Instead of becoming a child-soldier, the boy from Eritrea had become a runner; an athlete who ran like the wind.

His name is Meb Keflezighi.

Yesterday, November 1, 2009, Meb became the first American man, in 27 years, to win the New York Marathon (Meb became an American citizen in 1998).

I admit it. I got a bit moist eyed as I watched Meb’s finish on television.

It really wasn’t because he had ended the American drought. No, I teared up because of a simple gesture. You see, as Meb neared the finish line, with his victory all but assured, he pointed to his singlet. The jersey was mostly plain and white -- but for three large letters: U.S.A.

With that single motion, Meb communicated the magnitude of his win. Here was a guy who had once lived in a sea of despair and hopelessness. Now, he was triumphant in one of the world’s most prestigious races, breaking history in -- and for – his adopted nation.

Talk about a dream.

Meb wrapped himself in an American flag. For nearly ten minutes, he walked and chatted with spectators, refusing to part with the symbol of his nation; as if his marathon win was a victory for America itself.

It was.

As I continued to watch Meb’s emotional celebration, I began to think of America itself. About the beauty of a nation that honors freedom and opportunity. About a nation that, although far from perfect, gives breath to the pursuit of perfection.

I later learned that Meb is not the only Keflezighi who is living the American dream. He has nine siblings. One is a doctor, another a lawyer, another has an MBA… All are stories of tragedy to triumph; of immense work, perseverance, and, ultimately, success...

Meb’s win, his family’s story, and his immense pride in our nation, have humbled me. I realize, once again, how amazing our nation truly is. How fortunate and blessed we are as Americans.

Sure, we have our problems. Yes, we are strained politically, economically, culturally, and morally.

But we are still the freest and wealthiest people that have ever stood upon the earth. And we still have the opportunity to soar to heights beyond comprehension.

Meb’s single gesture was a beautiful reminder of that opportunity. A reminder that, despite our flaws, America still rocks.

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