Arien O'Connell, a fifth grade teacher from NYC, competed in the recent Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. She was not registered as an elite runner but somehow, amazingly, beat her personal best by 12 minutes and recorded the fastest time of the day. Nike did not initially expect a non-elite runner to contend for the title so her time was not noticed until after the award ceremony. It was at that time when Arien approached the officials and asked why she was left off the podium even though she was faster then the rest of the field. The officials were shocked at what had transpired but since the awards were already handed out and since she didn't initially register as an elite runner the offifcials decided that they were not going to adjust the results. Outrage ensued and now, rightfully so, Nike is reversing course and officially declaring Arien 'a' winner. Not 'the' winner, but 'a' winner. eab
