[Dahoser]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

[ought-six]

I saw Jim Ryun set the world record in the 1500 meters at the US vs. British Commonwealth Games at the L.A. Coliseum in 1967. The entire stadium was filled with a deafening roar as he made his finishing kick. It was electric. He beat the great Kenyan runner Kip Keino by about 30 yards. It was extraordinary.

[JennysCool]

In a day and age when many think it’s appropriate to dishonor our flag, I will tell you it is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to represent this amazing country and to wear the stars and stripes on my chest while racing in the ’60s and ’70s. There was such pride and love of country. And I cannot tell you, Mr. President, how much I appreciate your full-throated championing of this great country. (Applause.)

Thank you, Jim Ryun.

[Engraved-on-His-hands]

Today it is customary for Christian athletes to thank God when interviewed. That has not always been the case. The first person that I ever remember doing this was Jim Ryun. It was at the Munich Olympics in 1972—his last chance for an elusive gold medal. In the preliminaries his feet became tangled with those of another runner, he fell, and he didn’t qualify for the next round. He appealed to the Olympic Committee. His answer, a rejection, came on live television while being interviewed. It was then that he gave thanks to God for his blessings in his life. It was a moment to be remembered.