The Most Incredible Final Lap in Olympic Marathon History | Strangest Moments 

Note that she finished 37th of 44 runners. So even after doing a zombie-Frankenstein walk around the track, she still was *faster* then 7 runners. Wow

the way she was walking looked like she had risen from the dead. she really left everything out there on that course.

She still averaged about 15km/hr. Most people, even people who run regularly, cannot stay at that pace for more than a few minutes. She went at it for 3 hours straight.

My wife and I were there. What happened inside the Coliseum was stunning. EVERYONE was cheering her on.

This made me cry. I found it overwelming seeing a human giving the most of their honor. Respect

I remember watching this live on TV and everyone was cheering for her like mad. This was more than finishing a race, this was about being the first ever marathon for women after so many years of men saying that women couldn't do it. No one remembers the name of the winner, but everyone remembers that one runner that finished no matter what.

I remember 84 Olympics, I was crying, cheering her on. Since I was little girl I watched my first summer Olympic games in 72 till this day I love it. I did track an field. My favorite sport. I'm so proud of her.

That’s usually how I run my whole marathon.

According to my parents, this is what they went through on their journey to school

I was there at the stadium in 1984 and witnessed the whole thing unfold. Just plain pride, grit and determination got her on that finish line. That was truly inspiring even more so at that time it was happening and still is. It gave me goosebumps watching this video of her in that 1984 Olympics.

Her time was still amazing by regular human standards.

Even more amazingly, she was 39 years old when she ran this race!

She Is the perfect example of a warrior, it's not simply how far you go, it's how far you go after having emptied the last drop of Energy You have, this is what classifies Heroes.

I was at this game!! I was an 11 year old boy when my father took me. We sat close to the front row. When this lady came in and everyone could see her struggling, it was unbelievable what happened next. Everyone, without speaking a word, stood up in unison and cheered this lady to inconceivably will herself all the way to the finish line. She dug deeper than anyone I have ever seen. I have never witnessed anything like this in sports or other venues in life. Spectators from all over the world cheering an individual regardless of the country for whom she ran. It has impacted me to this day. She is my hero. She is up there with the Tank Man and Rosa Parks.

The way they cheered for this brave determined woman who ran with so much heart... Pushed herself beyond the limits. Muscles locking up. Heat exhaustion beating on her.. and still crossed that finish line. I couldn’t help getting slightly choked up here. Amazing spirit and a badass woman. Bravo

I'll show this to my coach when he don't allow the team to drink water

SHE TAUGHT THE WORLD THAT NOT GIVING UP AND FINISHING SOMETHING CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVEN WINNING SOMETHING.

I remember that moment, i was watching it with my father and we stood up and cried. Since then every time my own life marathon gets too hard to go on, i remember her, i watch the video, i take a deep breath and i keep going.

I can't talk smack at all about her, my best marathon is 4 hours 30 minutes. She was nearly 2 hours faster than me. I think I looked like she did only about 5 miles earlier lol

So often it isn't just the medallists who inspire us. This reminds me of another Olympic marathon runner from Tanzania, John Stephen Akhari. It was Mexico 1968 and the last day of the Olympics. Due to the high elevation of Mexico city, a climate Mr Akhari had never trained in, he had terrible cramping and had fallen, sustaining injuries to his leg and head. This didn't stop him though. He had his injuries wrapped and he continued the race. He was the last runner to enter the stadium. It was dark and many spectators were heading home. Word got out about this lone runner and people stayed to cheer him on as he came into the stadium. For years after the clip of his lone struggle in the dark was used as an example in sports montages. The pain, courage and determination etched on his face. I hadn't thought of this in a long time but this clip brought back the memory.

That's how I arrive home after work everyday.

What really moved me about her story was the thousands of people cheering her every step. This is the kind of thing that reminds me that humanity is awesome and people can overcome. It's beautiful to see how (com)passionate the crowd was.

Seeing someone enter the stadium like that and still have the heart to drive on is something that should inspire everyone watching. She was deep in the hurt locker, and willed herself to finish what she started. Strong performance.

oh im just here crying over how amazing this Andersen-Schiess was, while eating ice cream. just a normal youtube binging day

She didn't even mention her blood soaked feet! Crazy. What a warrior

Omg this made me cry. I can't stand seeing her like that and refusing help. Wow. What heart this woman has. ❤️

Her surname was Not once said correctly😂😂😉😉

I remember watching this as it happened, and it still bring tears to my eyes to see her determination and resilience. This was one for the records.

I still remember watching this live. It was odd to see someone in such great physical shape in such a dire state of weakness.

I remember watching this on TV...at the time. I was crying for her then...and again today ...watching this ‘ re-run’! I was sooo proud of her!

The marathon is a severe test of stamina.

"Just look at her go." Oh my gawd, that cracked me up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Then I cried when she crossed the finish line. That's true grit!

I remember this. Moments like this is why I have loved the Olympics my whole life. This is the heart of a champion 💖 it's not always about winning, it's about finishing

I’ve never seen a person look so exhausted. That was incredible.

She was soooo inspiring. I watched this on tv after running my first marathon in 1976!

I live in LA, and that day will forever be etched in my memory. Everyone was cheering, clapping, urging her on. The best five minutes of all time in women's sports.

At 4:58 look at her feet, they are bleeding

4:29 Seven runners finished behind her? RIP to them, I assume.

She didn't win the gold medal but that was a gold medal performance -- showing heart and will power.

The lady was tanked... but dug deep and finished... more respect than I can put into words... 💯

Please. Its Schiess.

I remember that race like yesterday. I was 26. We were standing in our living room cheering her on. Lot of heart she had... to me and alot of ppl all over the world, it was the best finish of all times. And still is

Los Angeles: Heat And Humidity Japan: Hold my Beer

Derrick Redmond, Schiess , Kerri Strug .. Three Olympians that utterly brought me to tears.. In those moments of their events will never be forgotten ... ever ....

I remember watching the end of the women's Marathon in 84 on TV. I stood there with my jaw almost to the floor in disbelief what Gabriela did. She and all the women there put that myth that women can't be as tough as men to rest. Talk about guts, she's got it a hundred times over. I'm so glad she made it and was ok a couple of hours later.

You know, I remember seeing this at the time. I thought she was last.....then realised she wasn't.

I started crying 😢 after she crossed the finish line 🏁

one of the best shows of determination I’ve seen. tears are forming in my eyes

I don't usually...but I cried at this..it was with respect for her willpower and perseverance...It reminded me of the multiple times I engaged in different sports and finished them to the end, not always as a winner, but with the true spirit and sportsmanship...it reminded me of my 75 yr old dad who marched down 7 km at Rajpath for days for Republic Day as part of the ex-servicemen troop in biting cold with pride even though he had a biting shoe and high fever...it reminded me of the never-die spirit of those who served their loved ones without being recognised...and many more

Gabriela's endurance and dedication is inspiring me today. This video made me cry.

me during quarantine: sips my coke on my bed a 4am as i watch all olympic races one by one

I will never, EVER, forget this.

I remember watching the 1984 Olympics. I remember the Swiss woman stumbling in. It was so inspiring and has stuck with me to this day. My biggest memory of that Olympics was Mary Lou Retton ❤️ - I was WAAAAY into gymnastics at the time and dreamed I’d compete in the Olympics someday, but knew deep down I’d never be that good (and knew I was too tall for gymnastics . . . Ended up playing collegiate volleyball!). Seems like it was yesterday. Ahhh, the memories . . .

It takes me 3 hours to walk to my town centre, do a bit of shopping and walk back ...3 miles...hats off for the courage shown by this lady.

Why i am watching this 2 years late and 2am in morning. Just to get some chill and thrills before sleeping!!!

This is very inspiring.

My eyes are literally moist after watching this. It is a thousand times more rousing than any Hollywood epic!

Watching Andersen-Schiess brought a lump to my throat. What an outstanding effort!

Nah, the guy who ran the marathon came in dead last, so much in last place, they literally had to turn the lights back on in the stadium. When asked why he didn’t stop he said “ I’m running for my country”. True Olympic hero. Do a video on him

Regarless 2 hours and 44 minutes for a marathon is impressive.

25 degrees max Me:so? 95% humidity Me:

4:58 her feet was bleeding 😢 What a beautiful moment.

Best line *Anderson schiess didn't have a gold medal at stake but her pride was on the line* 🙌

Watching this video just randomly, and for whole 5 minutes I had goosebumps... Just stunning what willpower she had, so inspiring

this is me walkin out of pub every saturday evening

I remember that .. what stood out in my memory was that as she rounded the track the crowd standing to their feet in a ovation of support .. they didn't care what position she was in .. only that she was magnificent in the doing

I remember this, it was front page news all around the world at the time.

And there were 7 runners behind her who still runs faster than me.

As someone who has had to push through heat exhaustion before, what she did was ABSOLUTELY INSANE. That is some serious determination!

Absolutely incredible for her to get through that lap in such a condition - probably the enduring image of the Los Angeles Games if not the Olympic Games as a whole!!

It brought me tears

Now I'm 65 and when I saw this video is like a " push bottom " that says me " keep going you can make it ", my respect to this woman.

I got goosebump when watching Joan become the first female to marathon winner. I cried when seen Andersen determination to finish the race.

Bro. Nothing gets me fighting back tears like watching videos of people who gave they're absolute EVERYTHING. I"M NOT CRYING YOU ARE

I have been crying non stop since I watched this and I am watching every video available of this event

Brave woman of integrity and courage.

Amazing story of pride and determination of true athletes.. NEVER GIVE UP…

Please like this comment so people can understand why the commentator emphasizes "hot" temperatures that don't appear to be hot. At sea level with 90+% humidity, the ideal air temperature would be no more than 48° Fahrenheit (8°C) for a long distance race. This is why 67° Fahrenheit (19°C) is considered hot. It's NOT hot for normal room temperature; however, it's hot for distance running in general. The longer the run, the lower that temperature should be to allow your body to give off more heat and cool down. When you're running a long distance race, if your body can't cool itself properly because the weather is hot, your body naturally slows itself down to produce less heat. If you can't sweat out the excess heat because you didn't drink enough water in advance/during the race to produce perspiration, then you're at risk of heat stroke. Combine that information with a Swiss Olympic marathon runner on a hot day in LA and that's why this is incredible. She's perspiring and persevering.

This is personally inspiring. I don’t run, but I’m 39 and definitely in a metaphorical final lap. And I’m seeing all the positive and negative comments-and discerning all the kind and hateful people behind those words-and both sides, for different reasons, remind me to finish.

i cried everytime i watch it.. snd it always give me hope snd determination to go through hardships in wherever lifes throw at me... such an inspiration ..a moment that we all should always comesback everytime when were in doubt...

So lucky that my wife and I were there to see this historic feat. Everyone was standing and cheering her on.

Who's cutting onions?

What amazing heart a true Olympian.

I heard about this story while watching the Olympic marathon today, and then, instead of watching it, I passed my time watching videos about this story, recent interviews of Gabriela, reading articles of today or these last days, and even 1 from 1984, and... yes, I cried a lot. I admit! I read many comments under the videos, and saw I was far far away to b the only 1 impressed, crying, respecting so much this great effort. R.e.s.p.e.c.t. Madam! A true Hollywood movie!

I always told my students never give up when facing difficulties. This video is the best to show them

Finishing the race was THE most important thing for her. That is THE difference between then and now.

Hats off for her gigantic determination!

I never laughed of the way she ran or walk the marathon. I understand the struggle and pride she carried on that memorable event. It’s not for the audiences, it’s for herself. I have so much respect because the will in her so strong. She’s a fighter.

It gives me chills watching this. The woman has willpower!

Gabriela. You are the definition of pure...gritty...HARD...ABSOLUTE Willpower. Downright WILL.

I also applaud the medics who tailed her and caught her right when she crossed the finish line.

I run marathons and every time I feel like skipping a run I watch this and cry and go run

I remember this watching that day. I was crying hoping that she would finish without falling.... such a warrior!!!!

this lady is truly the most inspiring and hard-working athlete i’ve ever seen

Although I have seen her strangle before I couldn't help myself from crying... This is why sports and the Olympics are the most wonderful thing in the world!!!

This is gonna inspire me to get up off the couch and do something.

I am in tears. So bloody impressed by her will power. Well done. Puts a lot of us to shame!

Oh my gosh I got up and applauded for her as if I was seeing her in person ♥️ Andersen 🥇🥇🥇🥇

I will show this to my kids at school. I love how she wanted to finish what she had started, the importance of taking part.

I saw this. The Olympics were incredible here in L.A. “one day I’m going to run a marathon, what will I look like?”, I thought. As I came to the finish line, I was like wow, “84 Summer Olympic Games, moved me” I cross the finish. You run a marathon and finish, You don’t have anymore excuses for anything in your life. You realize if you can do that you can do anything.