Ben James awarded medal that’s better than gold
Worlds is in the books. The Riccione medal table has been posted — with Germany (and its 900-member team) taking first as expected with 315 medals (108 of them gold). But you won’t find Ben James’ award noted in the M50 results for the 400. In fact, his official time in the final was 1:11.97. Ben, the M50 champion at Orono last month, took last after an amazing comeback from cancer. Did he pull a hammie? Lose a shoe on the turn? Nope. Here’s how world champion Nolan Shaheed described the race — and its touching aftermath.
Nolan writes:
Just got back from a wonderful time in Riccione. One great moment for me that was witnessed by only three other people happened after the men’s 50 400m. The American champ, Ben James, was a favorite going into the finals but he had good competition including the British and European champion Stephen Peters.
At the firing of the gun, Ben fell out of his blocks and landed on his back. Thinking there would be a recall, he laid there for a good two seconds before realizing that the race would not be stopped. He recovered and ran a BURNING backstretch, reaching the 200-meter mark in 23.8 and catching the field by 240 meters. But the great effort drained him and at 300 he shut it down and jogged in.
He tried to file a protest on the grounds that a recall should have happened but was denied. He stayed on a grassy area to watch the other finals with a few of us. (Sharon Warren, the 100 and 200 silver medalist, was there to console a very depressed Ben James) when all of a sudden up walked Stephen Peters who came in third in Ben’s race and said, “Had you not fallen at the start, you may have beaten me and this medal would have been yours, so I want you to have it.â€
Ben was in shock and at first could not accept the medal. Sharon was touched to tears, and I had never witnessed such an unselfish act coming from a true gentleman. He didn’t do it for accolades as there were just two or three people there. He did it because he is a great man and true champion.
Ben’s meet was over. Since he didn’t run the 4×4 relay the next day, it’s possible he may have injured himself in the 400. He also is listed as having made the final of the 200 meters — but DNS (did not start).
So the 400-meter disaster must have been devastating.
But we know Ben. He’ll be back.
5 Responses
This moment defines Steven Peters FAR more than ALL his numerous World Championship victories and World Records as well…this kind of behavior should be recognized as WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS IN LIFE. Here is a GREAT example of a world class athlete WITH world CLASS…
I had just lost a very dear co-worker in June 1989. I competed in Eugene a alternate in the US 45-50 4for 100 meters relay. We got the gold medal abnd Thad Bell gave me his relay medal. I strongly agree with Frank Schiro about what really matters in life.Thad was a class act and a great champion.
Dr. Steven Peters has been a class act for years. He is painfully honest, speaks highly of others and he lives a life of sacrifice and moral integrity. I am not surprised by his actions. He lives a life that matters. May God continue to bless Ben and Peter.
Once again, I find myself humbled to be a part of the great sport of track and field, which has lifted me numerous times throughout my life, and still serves as a mentor. Behavior like this is what greatness is about.
It’s moments like this that makes life worth living ,and life worth running, May God continue to shine his light upon us.
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