A prime example of true sportsmanship

[Sdiver]

It's a shame that this story has taken so long to come to the forefront.

Happening back on Dec. 2nd, this story is now only making it to the papers.

Is winning all that counts? Are you absolutely sure about that?

Very little has been said about this…..On December 2, Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of the race - mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish, thinking he had already crossed the line.

Fernández Anaya quickly caught up with him, but instead of exploiting Mutai's mistake to speed past and claim an unlikely victory, he stayed behind and, using gestures, guided the Kenyan to the line and let him cross first.

Ivan Fernandez Anaya, a Basque runner of 24 years who is considered an athlete with a big future (champion of Spain of 5,000 meters in promise category two years ago) said after the test:
"But even if they had told me that winning would have earned me a place in the Spanish team for the European championships, I wouldn't have done it either. I also think that I have earned more of a name having done what I did than if I had won. And that is very important, because today, with the way things are in all circles, in soccer, in society, in politics, where it seems anything goes, a gesture of honesty goes down well."

He said at the beginning: unfortunately, very little has been said of the gesture. And it's a shame. In my opinion, it would be nice to explain to children, so they do not think that sport is only what they see on TV: violent kicks in abundance, posh statements, fingers in the eyes of the enemy ...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon...rpose/1847999/

[Dusty]

That brand of honor is disappearing from the world.

[twistedsquid]

My parents gave me a simple set of ethics to live by. Among them was "Never capitalize on the misfortune of others". Good post.

[abc_123]

Originally Posted by Dusty

That brand of honor is disappearing from the world.

I see it as a nice story, nothing more. Up to the kenyan runner to pay attention to where the finish line is, just like its in his best interest not to eat big mac or stay out all night drinking before the start of the race.

Good on that guy for giving up the win. He has a big heart and is udoubtably a super person. Me? I'd have been head down running and too busy trying t breathe to help out a competitor at the international level that did something stupid. I'd rather have the win then all the feel-good stories.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by abc_123

I see it as a nice story, nothing more. Up to the kenyan runner to pay attention to where the finish line is, just like its in his best interest not to eat big mac or stay out all night drinking before the start of the race.

Good on that guy for giving up the win. He has a big heart and is udoubtably a super person. Me? I'd have been head down running and too busy trying t breathe to help out a competitor at the international level that did something stupid. I'd rather have the win then all the feel-good stories.

Like I said.