Athlete Who Helped Rival During Fall Receives IOC Fair Play Medal
Long distance runner Nikki Hamlin from New Zealand was awarded the IOC's (International Olympic Committee) Fair Play sports medal for the good sportsmanship she displayed when she helped the American Abbey D'Agostina after she fell during the 5k meter race at Engenhão stadium.
The American also received the medal.
D'agostina fell during the competition and Hamlin, instead of going on with the race, helped her stand up, with 2km until the finish.
The American was injured, and had to leave the track in a wheelchair. The image was among the most moving of Rio 2016, because it conveyed what the IOC calls the olympic spirit.
"I think it's really special, for Abbey and I. I don't think either one of us woke up and knew that day would be our day, or our big olympic moment. We are both strong competitors and we wanted to go out there and do our best on the track," said Hamlin.
Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ