The existence of a central governor over physiology has been questioned since ‘physiological catastrophes’ can and do occur in athletes (important examples in marathons have been Dorando Pietri, Jim Peters and Gabriela Andersen-Schiess).
It is also the birthplace of composer Bonifazio Asioli, the world famous flautist Andrea Griminelli, the pedagogue Loris Malaguzzi, the Venetian School composer Claudio Merulo, the rock singer Luciano Ligabue, the famously disqualified 1908 Summer Olympics marathon runner Dorando Pietri, and the novelist Pier Vittorio Tondelli.
This biographical film set around 1908 is based on the story of the Italian marathon runner Dorando Pietri.
Michael achieved lasting fame for his role in the disqualification of Dorando Pietri at the finish of the marathon at the London Olympics in 1908.
In the beginning of the film, a brief overview of the history of the marathon is shown, with footage of dramatic races involving Dorando Pietri, Abebe Bikila and Rod Dixon.
Dorando Pietri | Pedro Pietri | Julie Pietri | Eugenio de Bellard Pietri | Arturo Uslar Pietri |
The 2008 edition of the race was dedicated to the centennial anniversary of Dorando Pietri's achievement at the 1908 Summer Olympics in the marathon race.