The marathon man

A reflection on the historic moment when Carlos Lopes won Portugal's first-ever Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Marathon. The author recounts the national euphoria, the near-fatal accident that almost prevented Lopes from competing, and the crucial role played by Japanese master Kiyoshi Kobayashi in his recovery. The piece serves as a tribute to Lopes's legacy as a national hero and a symbol of Portuguese resilience and unity.