A triumph beyond victory

In a world where the allure of winning often overshadows the essence of participation, Kinzang Lhamo’s marathon finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games stands as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. Representing Bhutan on the global stage, Kinzang Lhamo did more than just complete a 42-kilometer race; she embodied the Olympic spirit, proving that the Games are not merely about winning medals but perhaps more importantly about the courage to take part, the resilience to endure, and the determination to finish.

With just six months of guided training under Bhutan Athletics, Kinzang Lhamo embarked on her international debut with the weight of a nation’s hopes and the pressure of global expectations on her shoulders. Competing against 91 of the world’s finest female athletes, Kinzang Lhamo ranked 80th, crossing the finish line in three hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds. Eleven runners failed to finish, yet Kinzang Lhamo pressed on, refusing to be counted among them.

Her performance, though not a podium finish, was a victory in its own right—a victory of the human spirit over adversity.

As the final athlete to cross the finish line on Aug. 11, an hour and a half after the winner, Kinzang Lhamo was met with a standing ovation. The applause was not merely for her endurance but for her embodiment of the true essence of the Olympic Games. The world saw in her the spirit of perseverance, a symbol that these Games are about more than medals—they are about heart, determination, and the unyielding will to overcome.

Kinzang Lhamo’s journey to the Olympics is a story of dedication and passion. She took up running after joining the Royal Bhutan Army, quickly proving her mettle by winning the Bhutan marathon last year with a time of three hours and 26 minutes. She also came second in the grueling Snowman Race in 2022, an extreme endurance event covering 203 kilometers through the treacherous Himalayan mountains. These achievements show her commitment and her readiness to tackle any challenge that comes her way.

Her words to foreign media in Paris, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me to finish the race,” resonate deeply. They remind us that success is not measured by where we are placed but by the determination we show in reaching the finish line. Kinzang Lhamo’s story is an inspiration for all, especially the youth of Bhutan, who see in her a hero not just for her athletic prowess but also for her indomitable spirit.

In Kinzang Lhamo, we find a hero who teaches us that participation, perseverance, and pride in representing one’s country are as important as winning. Her journey to the Paris Olympics may have ended, but the legacy she leaves behind is one of courage, hope, and inspiration.

Kinzang Lhamo is not just an Olympian; she is a symbol of Bhutanese resilience and spirit. Her journey inspires us all to pursue our dreams with the same passion and perseverance that carried her across that finish line. Kuensel/Asia News Network

This article first appeared as an editorial in Kuensel, Bhutan’s national newspaper.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region.