Postcard

Photographic postcard showing the Italian athlete Pietri Dorando who became the hero of the marathon race during the London Olympic Games of 1908. The marathon was run from Windsor Castle to the White City Stadium in London's Shepherd's Bush, and although Dorando was the first athlete to enter the stadium he was exhausted and disorientated. Several times he fell to his knees but was helped to his feet by officials, managing to cross the finishing line in first place. The following day he was disqualified following complaints from the American team. However Dorando became a popular hero of the Games. On the reverse of this postcard is a press cutting recording the crowds who came to cheer Dorando as he departed from Charing Cross Station for Italy, where eight brass bands waited to serenade his arrival. This card carries Dorando's signature dated 29th July 1908.