U.S., New Zealand runners show Olympic spirit after fall in 5000m
Competition at Rio 2016 on Tuesday provided a wonderful example of the Olympic spirit.
New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin tripped and fell during the women's 5000m heats Tuesday, bringing Abbey D'Agostino of the U.S. down with her.
D'Agostino stopped to make sure Hamblin was OK, but didn't realize she herself had suffered a leg injury.
Hamblin repaid her show of sportsmanship by waiting to help D'Agostino up. The two athletes then completed the race with D'Agostini clearly hobbled.
After the race, which saw D'Agostino finish well behind the other competitors, the two embraced at the finish line.
D'Agostino left in a wheelchair, but protested that she was tripped. If she's healthy enough to compete, she'll get to move on to Friday's final. Hamblin also protested and advanced.
"I'm so grateful for Abbey doing that (and making sure that I was OK)," Hamblin told reporters after the race, according to Yahoo Sports. "That girl is the Olympic spirit right there."
All photos courtesy Action Images