On August 11, 2023, international marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm made headlines after completing the Olympic Marathon in Paris, where she secured a commendable 12th place finish as the top American, clocking in at 2:26:44. In a post-race interview, Lindwurm expressed her gratitude towards a young boy, later identified as Jackson Li, who had energetically supported her around the 22-mile mark, calling her name and running alongside her. He provided her with a significant boost of inspiration during a challenging part of the race. Lindwurm was determined to connect with him, stating, “I need to find him. I need to give him a high five.”

Subsequent investigations by Runner’s World revealed that Jackson Li, an 11-year-old resident of Larchmont, New York, was indeed the young enthusiast whom Lindwurm had admired. Jones participates in track and field events, including cross-country and distances of 1500 and 3,000 meters for the Tailwind Track Club. He shared that his personal record for the 1500 meters is an impressive 5:05, which enabled him to keep pace with Lindwurm while maneuvering through the crowded race course.

Following their connection, Lindwurm thoughtfully sent Li a package containing her racing bib from the marathon, signed photographs, a hat, and Puma running shoes, accompanied by the encouraging note, “Jackson, Bet on yourself.” This message resonated deeply with Li, who was on the verge of commencing his middle school journey.

The encounter was a delightful culmination of an extraordinary Olympic adventure for Jackson, his siblings, and parents. Jackson has garnered recognition as an enthusiastic fan of running, frequently listening to esteemed running podcasts—such as Ali on the Run and Nobody Asked Us—along with watching YouTube series detailing Olympic training. Initially, Jackson’s favorite athlete was Jakob Ingebrigtsen from Norway; however, following Lindwurm’s inspiring performance during the Olympics, he shifted his admiration toward her.

In preparation for their trip to Paris, Jackson persistently encouraged his family to seize the opportunity of attending the Olympics, a desire that ultimately led to their attendance. His parents decided to embrace the family vacation, especially following a personal loss in their family that highlighted the importance of experiencing life’s moments.

During their time at the Olympics, Jackson and his family witnessed outstanding athletic performances, including Cole Hocker’s gold medal in the men’s 1500 meters and Gabby Thomas’s victory in the women’s 200 meters. Jackson even managed to gain autographs from prominent athletes such as Faith Kipyegon and Masai Russell. In a particularly memorable moment, he successfully retrieved a hat thrown by American marathoner Leonard Korir, which was later revealed to be autographed.

The days culminated in a heartfelt encounter with Lindwurm amidst the bustling marathon atmosphere. Jackson’s parents emphasized the wholesome nature of their experience, describing it as a joyful occasion for them to passionately support American athletes abroad while embodying the spirit of familial unity in a setting marked by social divisiveness. In closing, Knowlton expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overall experience, noting the athletes’ openness towards children and the unforgettable memories created during their time at the Games.

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