Boston Marathon Winner Giving Medal To City

June 18, 2013

The Associated Press

Lelisa Desisa, of Ethiopia, crossed the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line to win the men's division a few hours before two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three and injuring more than 260. (Elise Amendola/AP) — Lelisa Desisa, of Ethiopia, crossed the Boston Marathon finish line to win the men's division a few hours before two bombs exploded nearby, killing three and injuring more than 260. (Elise Amendola/AP)

Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa is giving his medal to the City of Boston as a tribute to the victims and families affected by the twin bombing near the race's finish line.

The Ethiopian will present the medal to Mayor Thomas Menino on Sunday on Boston Common.

Desisa announced his intention to give up the medal at a meeting last month with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the longtime senator from Massachusetts.

In a statement, Desisa said his joy at winning turned to sorrow after the bombs went off less than two hours after he crossed the finish line.

He said he's giving up the medal as a gesture of solidarity with the victims and in memory of those who suffered and those who died that day.

This program aired on June 18, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.

Boston Marathon Bombings