Folklore

Three runners $-X$, $Y$, and $Z$ - are participating in a race. $Z$ was delayed at the start and ran last, while $Y$ ran second. During the race, $Z$ changed places with other participants 6 times, and $X$ changed places 5 times. It is known that $Y$ finished before $X$. In what order did they finish?
Runner $X$, who ran first, changed places with other runners an odd number of times, which means he finished second. Since $Y$ finished before $X$, he was first at the finish line, and $Z$ was third.

## Answer

$Y$ - first, $X$ - second, $Z$ - third.