Looks can be deceiving. You never know for sure what’s burning inside based on appearance alone. The red in his shoelaces, he says, reminds him of blood that was shed by his forefathers so he could have the opportunities he enjoys today. It explained plenty about who he was, and why he won Saturday. It stood out.

“We’re able to do a lot of stuff because of them,” he said. “For people to not know about their past is like a tree without roots. You always have to know where you come from, and where you’re roots are. That’s what keeps you motivated. That’s what keeps you hungry. That’s what makes you work hard.”