The 39th American president celebrated his 100th birthday a few months ago, and who would have thought we would all be mourning for him this soon? Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, at the age of 100, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. He was known for his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability. He even won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. America has lost a legend; like current President Joe Biden said, “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” 

Carter was indeed a great leader and an amazing sports lover, be it his love for running or NASCAR; he has written many stories. From the presidency to lifelog activism, Carter’s life story is one of courage, compassion, and an unyielding dedication to sports and making the world a better place for everyone. Jimmy Carter will be missed, and everyone who loves him will remember him with all the great stories.

Jimmy Carter was a serious runner; a history professor shares an exclusive story

Jimmy Carter was the only serving American president who ran in the competitive road race; though he suffered from exhaustion and collapsed, he had a zeal for running. Talking about Carter’s race and his running, a distinguished history professor at American University, Allan Lichtman shared an old story of Carter’s running. What’s the story?

Lichtman was seen on NewsNation, and he started saying, “In 1979, I was a serious runner, and I was running in the 10K race right by the presidential retreat of Camp David. I looked to my left, and there a few yards away from me was this skinny, pale guy who looked like he was in his underwear. I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my god. That’s President Jimmy! What? Carter is going to run this race?’” Carter loved running, and do you know he even ran cross country at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis? He was the president, and of course, everyone wanted to get clicked with him, and Litchman also thought the same; he further continues, “Maybe I can run with him, but I decided, ‘No, I want to win the race.’ I did. And I ran my own race.” 

Jimmy Carter’s habit of running made him make many exceptions; he organized longer weekend runs of 10 or 12 miles at Camp David, the presidential retreat in rural Maryland. Who would do that, right? It is the same race Litchman is talking about. Carter even collapsed in the Catoctin Mountain Park Run. Talking about that, Litchman continued with his side of the story, “That was the race in which Jimmy Carter was supposedly notorious for collapsing, which wasn’t a huge surprise. It’s the toughest of all 10K races. It’s 5K down and 5K up. And that collapse, jumped on by the press, is kind of—and will not be—a couple collapsing presidency.”

Allan Lichtman further continued, “After the race, we have this gathering where they give awards to those who did well in the race. And guess who shows up with no fanfare, no press, and no publicity? Jimmy Carter.” Carter’s humbleness is what makes him different from others: “And he gives us this incredible, amazing, uplifting kind of story that got buried. Nobody knows this. But that is far more emblematic of the kind of person Jimmy Carter was than his collapse in the race.” During his presidency, Carter broke all the traditional office norms as he prioritized his physical activity, specifically running, while many politicians adhered to a more formal and sedentary routine. Jimmy Carter’s legacy is nothing short of amazing and worth remembering.

Carter’s life and presidency for his people and sports

James Earl Carter Jr.’s life journey is an inspiration for humanity, politics, sports, and prioritizing health. He started his presidential journey in 1977 till 1981, but his political career started in 1963. What before that? With a Bachelor of Science degree, he started his career with his training for submarine duty and served aboard the USS Pomfret. And when things didn’t turn out as expected, he even did farming before rooting for politics. While Carter is known for his politics, he will be remembered for what he did for sports.

Carter was so in love with running that in 1979, he even invited Boston Marathon winners Joan Benoit and Bill Rodgers to enhance his knowledge. He organized dinner at the White House and cornered them for private training advice. Carter boycotted the 1980 Olympics as an ultimatum for the U.S.S.R. to withdraw to protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Jimmy Carter even initiated ‘The Amateur Sports Act,’ which is also known as the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act. The act was in honor of the late Alaska senator who sponsored the bill, which transformed amateur sports in America. The act empowered American sports, especially USA Hockey and USA Track and Field. Jimmy Carter’s name will be written in golden words in American history.

Furthermore, he made history with his first POTUS to host celebrations for champions of all three major professional sports leagues—the NBA, NFL, and MLB. In 1978, in an East Room ceremony, he welcomed the then reigning NBA Champion Washington Bullets. Carter jokingly said at that event while displaying his dribbling skills, “The last time Washington had a champion was when Franklin Roosevelt was president. And this is really a hope that I might have brought good luck to Washington.” Late Jimmy Carter’s achievements and life stories can’t be summed up in just a few words. His legacy will never fade away, and he will be remembered as an avid president who broke norms for love for running.