Posted: November 27, 2004

Athletics: In First Meeting Since Athens, Baldini, De Lima Exchange Congratulations

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By Bob Ramsak

MILANO, Italy - Much has changed in the lives of both Stefano Baldini and Vanderlei de Lima since they captured the gold and bronze medals in August's Olympic Marathon.

Yet with all the media, promotional and public appearances, photo shoots and commercial spots that would follow, both marathoners don't appear to have been jaded in the least by the aftermath of their roles in one of the most dramatic --and now infamous-- marathon finishes ever.

Still captivated by images of the Olympic race's closing minutes, footage that has been broadcast around the world thousands of times, both silently watched a video highlight replay of their race: first the Brazilian's sizeable lead, then the Italian's break from world record holder Paul Tergat, then finally the look of pain and horror that fell on Vanderlei's face the moment he was attacked by an intruder and pushed from the course. Even now, three months later, the Brazilian winced -ever so slightly-on the small stage as he watched. Baldini too was sullen.

"I'm not here to dispute the medal as 'stolen,'" de Lima said this afternoon in Milan, speaking to a crowded room of reporters when he met with Baldini for the first time since the two shared the podium as part of the Closing Ceremonies of last summer's Olympic Games. "But I am here to congratulate Baldini. His race was superb."

Baldini, an Ambassador for Sunday's Citroen Milano City Marathon, added, "I'm very pleased this meeting took place here. I'm glad to be able to finally congratulate Vanderlei."

The two shook hands and embraced as they met in a show of sportsmanship and friendship in an event sponsored by marathon organizers. They discussed the race, the "incident," and the future.

"I was not aware during the race that this had happened," Baldini said. "I'm very disappointed that such an incident happened at the Olympic Games. Our task as runners is to run; we can't control what happens along the road."

But Baldini also said that in his mind, the unfortunate episode didn't have a bearing on the eventual outcome. "If this incident hadn't happened, I still believe I would have won. I was in excellent form then. But de Lima fulfilled his potential and gave one hundred per cent." Most importantly, Baldini added, "He respected the Olympic spirit by finishing the race."

Baldini even managed to find a silver lining in his competitor's misfortune. "It's unfortunate that this incident happened in Athens, but I'm also happy for him because he's even more popular now. Maybe precisely because of the incident."

De Lima concurred, explaining that his star has risen dramatically in Brazil since his Olympic performance, not so much for the highly publicized attack, he said, but because "I faced the setback head-on and still managed to earn a medal."

Looking ahead, de Lima's next marathon is certain; Baldini's is not. The Brazilian will contest the Lake Biwa Marathon in Otsu, Japan next March, the IAAF World Championships in Helsinki in August, and said he may add a third marathon in the fall. Baldini only confirmed that he'll race in the Lisbon Half-Marathon in March, but has yet to decide between London and Boston for his next marathon.

Answering a reporter's question, de Lima said he thinks similar disruptions could happen again, but would rather not dwell on something that is entirely out of his control.

But he will be reminded at least once more. At a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on December 7, de Lima will be awarded the IOC's de Coubertin Medal.

[NOTE: Thanks to Diego Sampaolo for translation assistance. --BR]