Boston Marathon Champion Returns Gold Medal To Commemorate The Lost And The Injured Ones.

John Kerry and Lelisa Desisa At The US Embassy, Addis Ababa.
John Kerry and Lelisa Desisa At The US Embassy, Addis Ababa.

2013 Boston Marathon champion Lelisa Desisa has returned the gold medal he won in this year’s bomb- disrupted race in memory of the people killed and injured at the finish- line.

The Ethiopian athlete met US Secretary of State John Kerry at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa on Saturday to offer him the medal. Kerry admired his gold- encrusted medallion pointing out the role athletics play to promote peace.

Lelisa expressed his shock and sadness at the news of the double bombings moments after he had just crossed the finish- line.

Lelisa Desisa.
Lelisa Desisa.

He viewed his gesture as a token to comfort families who lost their dear ones and to wish best recovery to those who have suffered injuries.

Senator John Kerry complimented the athlete for his passionate memorial gift and said such is a rare act that comes out of genuine character like this great athlete Lelisa Desisa who shows his feelings by giving back the medal he won in the race. He deserves much appreciation for that, the secretary of state noted.