Mike Ryan claims Marathon Bronze, Mexico 1968

The altitude of Mexico City (situated 6000ft above sea level) wrought havoc with the distance runners from sea-level countries.  African athletes dominated the distance events at Mexico City, which made Mike Ryan’s marathon bronze all the more astounding. While such great athletes as Australians Ron Clarke and Derek Clayton were destroyed by the altitude during those Olympics, Ryan ran with incredible grit and determination to earn his medal with a time of 2h 23m 45.0s.