Greig Leach

I knew that Feyisa Lilesa's (Ethiopia) gesture meant more than just a signature gesture, think Usain Bolt's lightening bolt pose, but I admit I had to research its meaning. After the race, I read an article from the LA Times, that indicated it was a gesture of protest of the Ethiopian Goverment's killing of the Oromo people When asked about it, he felt that he will face prison or death on his return home. A brave way to bring the attention of the blight of Ethiopia to the world stage. His Silver Medal has almost been lost in the story. I noticed that the coverage of the Marathon medal ceremony did not show his crossed arms on the podium. Behind the political gesture, the neophyte American marathon runner, Galen Rupp (USA) managed to finish third for the Bronze. Ironically, the blue suited guards were there to stop the protest of Brazilians that marred the finish of the Women's Marathon.