Augusta University brings Olympian’s story to life on big screen

‘The Extra Mile’ documentary on alumnus Pardon Ndhlovu’s road to Rio 2016 premieres Aug. 4

AUGUSTA, Ga.  – The Augusta community is invited to meet Olympian and Augusta University alumnus Pardon Ndhlovu at the premiere of “The Extra Mile,” a documentary short about the marathon runner’s road to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The documentary premieres on Aug. 4 at Maxwell Theatre, 2500 Walton Way, on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. with a reception, and guests will receive a free #RunWithPardon T-shirt while supplies last. The screening will begin at 4 p.m.

“The Extra Mile” tells the inspiring story of how Ndhlovu escaped the cycle of poverty in his home country of Zimbabwe, used his running talent to get an education in the U.S. and eventually made it to the Olympics.

During his journey, Ndhlovu earned his MBA from the Hull College of Business at Augusta and helped coach the Jaguar cross-country and track and field teams.

Ndhlovu’s story, however, is not just about running. It’s also about why he runs and whom he’s running for.

“When I look at running, it’s a piece of a puzzle that has a part in molding and completing the person that I am,” he said. “There’s more to Pardon than running, but I think running plays a big part into it.”

The documentary was produced by the university’s Division of Communications & Marketing, which began following Ndhlovu’s journey to the Olympics eight months ago.

“Pardon’s story is one of determination, resilience, grit, humility and generosity,” said Brooks A. Keel, president of Augusta University. “He makes us proud to be fellow Jaguars. We’re excited to send him off to Rio and want to invite all of Augusta to join us as we wish him every success in his Olympic quest.”

The event is free and open to the public. Send Ndhlovu your best wishes and follow his progress in Rio with the hashtag #RunWithPardon on social media.