On August 13, 1908, the first modern Olympic marathon ended in dramatic fashion.

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The marathon at the London Olympics became one of the most famous (and chaotic) races in history. The race’s now-standard distance—26 miles, 385 yards—was set for the first time to allow the royal family a front-row view of the finish at White City Stadium. That day, Italian runner Dorando Pietri entered the stadium first, delirious from exhaustion. He collapsed five times, ran the wrong direction, and was finally helped across the finish line by officials—only to be disqualified for receiving assistance. The drama transfixed the world, and Pietri became a symbol of courage, heartbreak, and the fine line between triumph and disaster. The 1908 marathon proved that victory can be both hard-earned and fleeting, that rules and support matter as much as raw effort, and that enduring legacies may be forged by how we respond to setbacks instead of how we finish. The marathon—from its ancient roots to the modern games—reminds us that success requires pace, resilience, and sometimes, the humility to adjust mid-stride when the course or conditions demand.Here are four lessons for Modern Investors from Pietri’s problems:🏃‍♂️ Pace Yourself for the Long GameThe marathon is not a sprint. Dorando Pietri’s collapse teaches us that pushing too hard—chasing “hot” markets, betting big on flashy trades, or stretching for outsize short-term returns—can leave you vulnerable to burnout or loss. Setting a sustainable pace, diversifying your approach, and planning for the long haul drives more consistent outcomes. Periodic rebalancing, steady contributions, and rational withdrawal strategies win over emotional bursts of energy.🏃‍♂️ Rules and Structure Matter—Don’t Ignore the Fine PrintPietri’s assistance at the finish, though well-intentioned, violated the rules and cost him victory. For investors, ignoring tax rules, account structures, withdrawal requirements, or policy changes can turn a near-win into disappointment. Make sure your financial strategy is not only sound in substance, but also respects the rules of the game—whether that’s minimum distributions, contribution limits, or new regulatory realities.🏃‍♂️ Resourcefulness Under PressureWhat made Pietri’s run unforgettable wasn’t just his stamina, but his refusal to quit after each setback. He found ways to pick himself up, regroup, and press on creatively even when physically depleted and disoriented. For investors, success is rarely a matter of stubbornly sticking to Plan A; more often, it’s about sizing up obstacles, using what’s left in your “toolkit,” and making strategic, sometimes inventive, choices on the fly—whether that’s turning to a different asset class, tapping a cash reserve, or rethinking your goals when conditions shift. The road won’t always be straight, but resourcefulness often makes the difference between giving up and crossing the finish line.🏃‍♂️ The Power (and Pitfall) of Recency BiasPietri’s heroic—if painful—finish imprinted itself on memory, sometimes overshadowing the steady run of the actual gold medalist, Johnny Hayes. Investors too often let the most dramatic recent events (a crash, a meme-stock rally, a runaway bull) loom larger than years of progress. Recency bias can lead to chasing trends, excessive fear, or hesitation to invest after a loss. Instead, keep the bigger picture in focus: the long arc of steady progress, not just the drama at the finish line.A Final ThoughtThe 1908 Olympic marathon is remembered not just for crowning a champion, but for reminding the world that grace under pressure, transparent strategy, and practical resourcefulness define the real legacy. It’s not the stumble or the unexpected twist that settles your fate—but how you pace, prepare, and problem-solve when the course gets rough.

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🎯Patrick Huey is a small business owner and the author of three books on history and finance as well as the highly-rated recently-released fictional work Hell: A Novel. As owner of Victory Independent Planning, LLC, Patrick works with families and non-profit organizations. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and an Accredited Tax Preparer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Patrick previously served as a Naval Flight Officer from 1996-2005, earning the Strike Fighter Air Medal during combat operations and two Navy Achievement Medals. 👉🏻 Reach him at 877-234-8957 or schedule a time to talk using this link:

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