Inspiring Runners Win Rare Olympic Medal for Sportsmanship

American runner Abbey D’Agostino and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin have been awarded a rare Olympic medal for sportsmanship following their inspiring moment during the Rio games.

During the women’s 5,000 meter semi-final, the ladies tripped over each other and instead of running back into the race, they helped each other up and continued together. When Abbey realized she injured herself, Nikki refused to go on alone and helped her new friend through the rest of the race.

“Nobody has epitomised these values more at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 than runners Abbey D’Agostino (USA) and Nikki Hamblin (NZL) and, beyond the Games, the Norwegian men’s handball team,” the Olympic committee said in a statement. “The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), presented them with Fair Play awards today at the Olympic Club in the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro for two separate acts of selflessness and exemplary sportsmanship.”

“The D’Agostino and Hamblin story is one of humanity and sacrifice which has already captured the hearts of people across the globe. New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin tripped and fell to the ground during the 5,000m race, accidentally bringing American D’Agostino down behind her with around 2,000m to go. The 24-year-old D’Agostino was quick to get up again, yet instead of carrying on with her race she stopped to help the stricken Hamblin to her feet, encouraging her to join her in attempting to finish the race. However, during her tumble, D’Agostino suffered an ankle injury, slowing the runner down, but Hamblin sportingly hung back to in return offer her encouragements. The two women went on to complete the race together,” the statement continued.

Congrats to the runners on the honor!