Question

The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to complete
one by one they all turned around and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.

Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk
And a banner above that said (Special Olympics)
Could not have been more on the mark.
That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will.

Read the lines given above and answer the following question:

Explain in your own words the meaning of the line ‘the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk’.

Answer 1

The phrase ‘the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk’ describes the moment when the other eight contestants help their friend, who had fallen down, to stand up on his feet. Since the boy was unable to run, the others decide not to run either. All nine contestants walk hand-in-hand to the finish line. In other words, the contestants walk the distance of the hundred yards (which was to be run) at the speed of the contestant who had fallen down.