The 1904 Olympic Marathon Chaos

Did you know one of the most chaotic Olympic events happened in St.

Louis, Missouri, back in 1904? The 1904 St. Louis marathon was

wild: cheating, near-death, and even a runner purposely poisoned.

Conditions were brutal: 100-degree heat, dusty roads. Only 14 of 32 starters finished

this grueling race. Exhausted Fred Lorz hitched a car ride for 11 miles,

waving to spectators along the way. Unbelievable! Lorz crossed first, hailed by the

President's daughter. But officials quickly exposed his strange deception. Cuban William Garcia

nearly died from dust inhalation, causing hemorrhage. He collapsed and was hospitalized.