10 Celebrations of Last Place Finishers Who Didn’t Quit

In the world of sports, it’s easy to focus on the winners—the ones who cross the finish line first and bask in their triumph. But there’s a different kind of heroism in those who come in last. Whether running a marathon or racing in the Kentucky Derby, these athletes embody a unique kind of victory that’s not about speed or skill but about sheer determination and the will to finish.

Finishing last isn’t a mark of defeat; it’s a testament to incredible perseverance and heart. The athletes we’re celebrating here faced daunting challenges, from physical exhaustion to personal struggles, yet they pressed on with unwavering resolve. Their stories remind us that real success often comes from the courage to keep moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against us.

Related: 10 Athletes Whose Careers Have Been Defined by Mistakes

10 The Unofficial Derby Cup: Honoring the Last to Cross the Line

In 1984, Mike Cecil had a lightbulb moment that would turn into a beloved Derby tradition—and it all happened while he was relaxing in the tub. As he soaked and skimmed through a racing form, it struck him: Everyone celebrates the winners, but who gives any thought to the horses that finish last? That didn’t sit well with Mike, so he decided to change it. His idea? A plastic Derby cup that would honor the horse that crossed the finish line last in the Kentucky Derby.

To bring his idea to life, Mike teamed up with Bill Gdanic, a talented graphic designer who just happened to be dating Mike’s sister. Each year, they’d put their heads together to create a new design for the “Unofficial Derby Cup,” featuring the last-place horse in all its glory. These cups, often adorned with clever and playful touches, became a hit at Derby parties, sparking laughter and conversation.

Today, the “Unofficial Derby Cup” is more than just a novelty—it’s a cherished tradition that Derby fans look forward to each year. Sold at local liquor stores, the cups have even helped Mike fund a few trips to Jamaica. It’s a gentle reminder that in the excitement of the Derby, there’s still room to celebrate those who may not win but finish with pride. After all, just being part of the race is something to be proud of.^[1]

9 Boston Marathon’s Last-Place Runner Earns His Medal

Maickel Melamed’s finish at the 2015 Boston Marathon was nothing short of inspiring. Born with a condition similar to muscular dystrophy, Melamed has lived his life overcoming challenges that most of us can’t even imagine. But that didn’t stop him from tackling one of the world’s most famous marathons. After 20 grueling hours, long after most had packed up and gone home, Melamed crossed the finish line, flanked by his loyal support team and cheered on by those who stayed to witness his incredible journey.

For Melamed, it wasn’t just about finishing the race; it was about making a statement. His determination caught the attention of Boston’s mayor, Martin Walsh, who organized a special ceremony at City Hall to honor his achievement. In that moment, it became clear that the true spirit of the marathon wasn’t just about speed—it was about heart. Melamed’s words at the ceremony echoed this sentiment: “The message here is that love is more powerful than death.”

Melamed’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest victories aren’t measured by time but by the courage to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the journey gets. His finish wasn’t the fastest, but it was undoubtedly one of the most meaningful.^[2]

8 A Hero’s Welcome for the Last to Cross the Finish Line

At the 2018 Winter Olympics, German Madrazo didn’t win a medal, but he won something perhaps even more valuable: the hearts of everyone who saw him cross the finish line. As the last competitor in the men’s 15-kilometer cross-country skiing event, Madrazo finished 23 minutes after the gold medalist. But instead of being met with silence, he was greeted by fellow athletes, including the well-known shirtless Tongan, Pita Taufatofua, who cheered him on as if he were the champion.

Madrazo’s journey was about more than just completing the race. Representing Mexico as one of only four athletes from his country at the Winter Games and the first Mexican cross-country skier in over two decades, he proudly waved his country’s flag as he crossed the line. The moment was a powerful reminder of what the Olympics are truly about—perseverance, pride, and the camaraderie that transcends competition.

Looking back on the moment, Madrazo compared the cheers he received to those in a roaring World Cup stadium but said it felt even better because the applause was just for him this time. He may have finished last, but in that moment, he was every bit a winner.^[3]

7 From Last Place to a Comeback: Jourdan Delacruz’s Olympic Journey

Jourdan Delacruz’s first Olympic experience at the Tokyo Games in 2021 didn’t unfold as she had hoped. In weightlifting, “bombing out” means failing to complete a lift in all attempts, and unfortunately, that’s what happened to Delacruz. She successfully lifted 189 pounds (88 kilograms) in the snatch. Still, when it came to the clean and jerk—a lift she had nailed in previous competitions—she couldn’t manage the 238 pounds (108 kilograms) she attempted. The result was a last-place finish, a moment that felt devastating at the time.

The aftermath was rough. Delacruz found herself grappling with feelings of isolation, especially since her coach was celebrating the success of her fellow Team USA athletes. The media wasn’t kind either, with headlines labeling her a failure. But instead of letting that moment define her, Delacruz, with the support of her sports psychologist, slowly began to see it as just one chapter in her story—not the whole book.

Since that difficult day, Delacruz has been on a mission to reclaim her narrative. She struck gold at the Pan American Championships, secured third place at the World Championships, and even broke an American record in her weight class. As she heads to the Paris Games, Delacruz isn’t just looking to erase the past—she’s writing a new, stronger chapter in her journey. (She finished 5th in the women’s 49kg competition in Paris).^[4]

6 The Unseen Glory of the Lanterne Rouge

In the world of professional cycling, it’s easy to focus on the front-runners—the ones who bask in the glory of a yellow jersey and cross the finish line to roaring applause. But the Tour de France also honors another kind of hero, the one who finishes last. The Lanterne Rouge, named after the red lantern that once hung at the end of a train, is a symbol not of speed but of unwavering grit and determination.

The Lanterne Rouge isn’t just a consolation prize; it’s a testament to the rider’s refusal to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them. These cyclists push through grueling conditions, relentless fatigue, and the mental battle of being at the back, all to cross the final finish line in Paris. It’s a journey that requires more than just physical strength—it demands heart and resilience.

In a sport where glory is usually reserved for the fastest, the Lanterne Rouge stands as a reminder that, sometimes, just finishing the race is a victory in itself. It’s a quiet celebration of the human spirit, honoring those who, despite everything, keep pedaling forward.^[5]

5 The Marathon Man Who Refused to Give Up

John Stephen Akhwari wasn’t just any marathon runner at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics—he became a symbol of unyielding determination. Representing Tanzania, Akhwari’s race was filled with adversity from the start. The high altitude triggered severe cramps, and a collision with other runners left him battered and bruised, with a dislocated knee and a smashed shoulder. Most athletes would have called it quits right there. But Akhwari wasn’t like most athletes.

Despite his injuries, he insisted on continuing. With a bandaged leg and a noticeable limp, he pressed on. More than an hour after the winner had finished and with most of the crowd gone, Akhwari finally entered the stadium. The few spectators who remained rose to their feet, cheering him on as he crossed the finish line, not for glory but for something far more profound.

When asked why he didn’t quit, Akhwari replied, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish it.” His words and actions became a timeless reminder that the true spirit of competition isn’t always about winning—it’s about seeing things through to the end.^[6]

4 Kelvin Ng’s Final Bow: A Legacy of Strength and Resilience

In the twilight of his gymnastics career, Kelvin Ng Kiu Chung of Hong Kong gave a performance that was as much about heart as it was about skill. Competing in the still rings final at the 2023 Asian Games, just days before his 32nd birthday, Ng placed eighth, but for him, the result was secondary. “I wanted to succeed, and I fulfilled my target,” he shared, reflecting on his journey. This was not just another competition—it was a personal mission. Ng had initially planned to retire in 2021 after a severe bicep injury, but the birth of his daughter inspired him to return, determined to show her the heights he could still reach.

As he prepared for his final routine, Ng focused on one thing: delivering a performance that would make his family proud. The emotional weight of the moment was undeniable, but he channeled it into every movement, culminating in a dismount that was more than just a technical finish—it was a powerful, joyful release. “I released all my emotions and enjoyed my performance a lot,” he said, capturing the profound satisfaction of ending his career on his own terms.

Ng’s impact on Hong Kong gymnastics extends beyond his medals, including a historic bronze at the 2010 World Cup in Doha. As he steps away from the competitive stage, he’s already nurturing the next generation of athletes, ensuring his passion for the sport lives on in those who follow.^[7]

3 Honoring Determination: The Story of the Red Lantern Award

In the rugged and relentless terrain of the Iditarod, the race isn’t just about finishing first; it’s about the sheer determination to reach the end. The Red Lantern Award, given to the last musher to cross the finish line, honors that unwavering perseverance. It’s not about speed but the courage to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The tradition began in 1973, inspired by an old practice of keeping a red lantern lit at the finish line, signaling that a musher was still on the trail. This lantern would stay illuminated until the final musher made it home. Over the years, the Red Lantern Award has come to symbolize more than just endurance—it represents the spirit of never giving up, a reminder that in the Iditarod, simply finishing the race is a remarkable achievement.

For those who earn the Red Lantern, it’s not a mark of last place but a badge of honor. It celebrates the determination to complete one of the toughest races in the world, no matter how long it takes. Ultimately, the Red Lantern shines as a beacon of resilience, celebrating those who have the courage to finish what they started.^[8]

2 The Midnight Triumph of Kona’s Last Finisher

In the heart of Kona, Hawaii, during the Ironman World Championship, the true essence of endurance is celebrated not just at the finish line but in the final moments before midnight. As the 17-hour race nears its end, a unique spectacle unfolds: the crowning of the last finisher. This final athlete, crossing the line well after most have gone home, becomes a symbol of unwavering perseverance.

This moment is not just about completing a race; it’s a testament to the human spirit. The last finisher battles through a grueling course that includes a 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) swim, 112-mile (180.2-kilometer) bike ride, and 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) run. As they cross the finish line, they’re met with a thunderous reception from the crowd and volunteers, many of whom have been there for hours, united in their support. Ironman announcer Mike Reilly, who has witnessed nearly three decades of these emotional finishes, describes the scene as a celebration of the athlete’s grit and determination.

In Kona, finishing last is a celebration of resilience and commitment. This moment underscores the Ironman’s true spirit: it’s not just about who finishes first but about completing the journey, no matter how long it takes.^[9]

1 A Marathon of a Lifetime: Shizo Kanakuri’s Unforgettable Finish

Shizo Kanakuri’s marathon journey is nothing short of legendary. Competing in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Kanakuri, then a promising athlete, was forced to abandon the race due to the harsh conditions and his own exhaustion. Although he never officially finished, his story didn’t end there.

In a remarkable twist, 55 years later, Kanakuri returned to Stockholm with a mission. In 1967, he completed the marathon course he had once left unfinished, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest time to finish a marathon—an astonishing 54 years, 8 months, and 6 days. This incredible feat was not just about crossing the finish line but about embodying the true spirit of perseverance.

Kanakuri’s return to complete his marathon is a powerful testament to enduring spirit and dedication, proving that the essence of a marathon is not just in the race itself but in the commitment to finish, no matter how long it takes.^[10]