The athletes who captured the essence of the Olympic spirit in acts of selfless kindness have been rewarded for their show of sportsmanship.
New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin’s stopped to assist Abbey D’Agostino after the American athlete fell in agony. Earlier in their 5,000m race, D’Agostino had herself helped Hamblin to her feet after a fall that tripped them both.
Hamblin’s admirable compassion for her fellow athlete drew plaudits from around the world as the 28-year-old athlete gave up on a chance of a medal to help the stricken runner.
D’Agostino urged to Hamblin to continue racing but the England-born refused to leave the American’s side until a wheelchair could be brought to take her away.
Now the IOC has decided to award both the New Zealander and the American the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin medal.
Otherwise known as the International Fair Play Committee Award, the medal has only been awarded 17 times in Olympic history.
Named after the founder of the International Olympic Committee, the award is reserved for athletes, volunteers or officials who have demonstrated the Olympic sprit.
“Winning this award is overwhelming,” said Hamblin.
“I am proud that what we did and truly believe that you can be both a competitor and kind and responsive at the same time.
“Everyone comes here to compete but there are a lot of people who don’t achieve that and the journey is really important too. That was one of those journeys and it has gone on to be one of the most important moments of my life.”
The award was presented to the athletes in a ceremony held at The Olympic Club.
A jury composed of representatives of CIFP, IOC, athletes and the media made the final decision on the award’s recipients.
