The Remarkable Journey of Len Tau and Yasmani at the 1904 Olympics
On August 30, 1904, Len Tau and Yasmani, Tswana tribesmen from South Africa, made history as the first black Africans to compete in the modern Olympics. Running barefoot on a challenging course in St Louis, Tau finished ninth and Mashiani twelfth in the men’s marathon.
Despite facing obstacles like dusty roads and aggressive dogs, their remarkable journey paved the way for future African athletes.
The two Tswana men showed immense courage and determination to complete the race under difficult conditions. Tau and Mashiani ran the marathon barefoot, on an unsuitable course with dusty roads also used by cars. Mashiani was even chased nearly a mile off course by an aggressive dog during the race, but still managed to finish.
Their participation was largely motivated by the fact that the 1904 St. Louis Olympics was a disappointment, with few foreign competitors showing up. But Tau and Mashiani cemented their place in history as pioneers for African Olympians.
Background on the Men and the Times
Tau and Mashiani’s full names were actually Len Taunyane and Jan Mashiani. As their surnames were difficult for officials to pronounce, they went by just LenTau and Yasmani.
They had been in St. Louis as part of a “Boer War Exhibition” linked to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition world’s fair held alongside the 1904 Olympics. The exhibition was a re-enactment of the recent South African War starring military veterans from both sides.
Seeing an opportunity when few other international runners arrived, Tau and Mashiani decided to enter the Olympic marathon at the last minute. As Tswana tribesmen likely experienced in long-distance running through rural South Africa, they were prepared for the challenge.
Paving the Way for Future African Olympians
Despite the indifference and racism Tau and Mashiani faced, their courage has inspired generations of African athletes. True pioneers, they forged a path that athletes like Abebe Bikila, the first Black African to win Olympic gold (in the 1960 Rome Marathon), later followed.
The first Africans in the modern Olympics were not medal contenders, but warriors – hardened soldiers and rural runners brought to America for a living. But Len Tau and Jan Mashiani carried the spirit of Africa into the global arena of sport. By completing that 1904 Olympic marathon barefoot over dusty Missouri roads, they made history.
