Dave Wottle

DAVE WOTTLE always wore an old golf cap when he ran. But in the 1972 Olympics, his failure to remove his hat led to a tearful and apologetic moment.

The 22-year-old Ohio native shocked track followers when he equaled the 800-meter world record at the Olympic tryouts. In the Munich, Germany, Games observers rated Russia’s Yevhen Arzhanor the favorite due to Wottle’s tendinitis and lack of experience.

Kenyans Michael Boit and Robert Ouko set a blistering pace. Wottle, following his typical strategy of lingering toward the back and saving his strength for a strong finish, trudged along in sixth place at the halfway point. In the second lap, the Kenyans faded and Arzhanor took control. Wottle shifted into overdrive, but winning appeared hopeless with 50 meters remaining.

Still gaining ground, the American realized Arzhanor had exhausted his reserves. Drawing on one last ounce of strength, Wottle leaned forward and nipped the Russian at the tape. He finished the course in 1:45..86—03 seconds faster than Arzhanor.

The victory shocked both fans and Wottle. Still reeling from his surprise win, Dave failed to remove his cap during the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the medal ceremony. Unaware of his action until a reporter asked if he was making a protest, the Bowling Green Air Force ROTC member issued a formal apology.

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POINT Hat etiquette calls for removal of caps during the passing of the flag and the playing of the national anthem. Dave Wottle obviously learned the rules in his college military course. He simply got caught up in the moment and the cap felt like such a part of him that he forgot. When the reporter pointed out the mistake, Dave Wottle sincerely apologized.

We often make unintentional mistakes. We accidentally break something. We forgot to complete a chore. We space out on a commitment. But we can’t hide any of our mistakes from God. He sees and knows everything. Like Dave Wottle did, the right thing to do is to apologize sincerely.

GOAL! Isn’t it cool that when we mess up we can immediately ask God for forgiveness—and he gives it to us! Praise God for his understanding when we unintentionally do wrong.