Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman and Jake Gyllenhaal waved the green flag at the Indy 500
It's the first time in the history of the race that two people have done it.
Jeff Bauman was on hand Sunday for the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500, along with actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who is portraying the Boston Marathon bombing survivor in the upcoming movie, Stronger.
Together, Bauman and Gyllenhaal became the first-ever duo to wave the historic race’s green flag, just a day after the former enjoyed a 200-mph ride with racing legend Mario Andretti.
We’re GREEN for the #101stRunning of the #Indy500. Thanks for waving the green flags, Jake and @Jeffmbauman! pic.twitter.com/ABS5mdXBaJ
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 28, 2017
Green Flag for the 101st #Indy500! #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/rMM5DwWTXI
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 28, 2017
These two awesome guys Jake Gyllenhaal and @Jeffmbauman are here today. Find out why on our preface show 11am on ABC pic.twitter.com/FHNzPlXXsv
— . (@lindsayczarniak) May 28, 2017
Bauman lost both of his legs waiting for his then-fiancee at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. The upcoming movie, based on his autobiography, is set to hit theaters on September 22 and stars Gyllenhaal as Bauman.
Their camaraderie was on full display before the race Sunday.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, talked with @ktmosborne before they wave the green flag for the #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/HF0lcs15vE
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 28, 2017
“It’s just unreal that Jake is playing me,” Bauman said. “He’s like the best actor in the world. He’s phenomenal.”
“I told him to say that,” Gyllenhaal added.
