After Bucharest City Hall announced last week that it would grant the citizen of honor title to Tibi Useriu, winner of the Arctic Ultra Marathon for the third time in a row, the champion runner retorted on Monday that he would not refuse the title, but he would not attend the awarding ceremony.
He says he found about the mayor’s proposal from the mass media.
“Dear friends, I heard from the media about the proposal to grant me the title of Bucharest citizen of honor and I also heard from the media that one of the reasons would be because my example is <about how to rehabilitate the others>. I would have never thought that such a responsibility could have hung on the shoulders of a man from Bargau. I would like my example to inspire all those who want to overcome their limits, always in the interest of good, not <to rehabilitate others>. If the General Council votes to grant me this title, I will not refuse it, out of respect for all Bucharesters, but I will not attend the awarding ceremony or other festivities,” Tibi Useriu posted on Facebook.
“I thank all those who though to grant me this distinction and to all those who supported me during the last competition with all their good wishes.”
Upon his return home from the latest competition, Useriu announced he considers taking a break in the Arctic Marathon.