LifeofHope

Boston local Ajay Haridasse had collapsed – his legs simply refused to support him any longer! But Robson De Oliveira and Aaron Beggs picked him up and carried him across the line. Both were praised by the world’s media because, up until then, they were on course to set personal best times.

The BBC reported on the chivalrous incident, noting that both runners were in sight of the finish line. The report added that when De Oliveira, a Brazilian, saw Haridasse collapse, he knew he didn’t have the strength to help him on his own. It quoted De Oliveira recalling on his Instagram: “In that moment, I thought, ‘God, if someone stops, I’ll stop too and help him’.” Without the rest of his post for context, you might think De Oliveira’s reference to God was just a common swear word.

What the BBC News Northern Ireland article missed out was that De Oliveira’s ‘thought’ was actually a genuine prayer to God, which was immediately answered. This becomes clear when you see his full post:

“In that moment, I thought, ‘God, if someone stops, I’ll stop too and help him.’ And God was so generous to us that Aaron Beggs stopped, and I knew I could help, because two are stronger than one.

“I’m grateful to God for the strength he gave us in that moment, and that Ajay didn’t give up… I’ll be back here in 2027, God willing. I won’t give up on breaking the 2:40 barrier!”

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