Answer:
Louie Zamperini closed on the last lap of the 5000 meter, was slightly ahead of the older more experienced IU Don Lash. At the tape both leaned and the announcer called Zamperini as the winner. Judges ruled it was the favorite Indiana U. Lash that won.
Explanation:
Later film review showed a tie. Louie went to the Berlin Olympics, Hitler had someone bring him to his reviewing stand, commented on his "kick" at the end.
Had there been an olympics 4 years later Louie would have matured and likely dominated 1500 and 5000 meter.
WWII: Louie was in a B-24 bomber in a search for another bomber that did not return from their mission. Engine problems and his plane too went down.
Weeks on a raft, later captured by the Japanese, taken to Japan, he and other POW's endured horrible treatment. He was "Unbroken", returned to the US but foot/ankle damage at the POW camp ended his top level competitiveness.
He suffered what we would now call PTSD. Went to a Billy Graham revival. Received Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Went back to Japan and told the prison guards that were then in prison themselves for war crimes... he forgave them.
His book is an excellent read and the movie as well.
Rest In Peace, Louie, you ran the Good Race, Fought the Good Fight.
