Boston Marathon Winner Bobbi Gibb Finally Gets A Trophy

Mark Wahlburg was there filming a movie but the real highlight came when Boston Marathon winner Atsede Baysa gave her marathon trophy to Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to compete the race back in 1966 when there was no women's division as women were considered not strong enough to compete and finish. Gibb, who was this year's Grand Marshal, was moved to tears as she accepted the award at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Women's sports have come a long way since Gibb proved her critics wrong all those years ago. Her strength and determination paved the way for those who chose to follow in her footsteps. This year 12,600 women raced in the 2016 Boston Marathon with 12,100 finishing. In the last half century alone, 175,000 have participated. That's a pretty phenomenal number.

Baysa, from Ethiopia, told Gibb that she was amazing and deserved the trophy. Gibb, in turn, had one condition...that she would accept and keep the trophy for just one year and then return it to Baysa in her native homeland. Gibb went on to say “It shows you the bonds that happen across all barriers — race, age, nationality, ethnic origin. This is my vision for the world, is that everyone is an individual and these bonds of friendship and love cross all barriers.”

Being a sporteenie who gives it her best each and every time can only inspire. Atsed Baysa and Bobbi Gibb are two such people. Thank you to both of you for creating such a beautiful picture.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/specials/boston-...