We need a little more Iván Fernández Anayas

USA Today carries a story that's going viral:

Spanish runner Ivan Fernandez Anaya is still receiving attention for a race he lost on Dec. 2, 2012. Here's why, as told by Spanish newspaper El Pais:

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.

Fernandez 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.

Tough decision, right? Actually, no.

"He was the rightful winner," Fernandez Anaya said. "He created a gap that I couldn't have closed if he hadn't made a mistake. As soon as I saw he was stopping, I knew I wasn't going to pass him."

Great story.  Much needed story.

Thanks Robert.

 

Comments

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

I have two minds on these type of stories. One, good on Ivan Fernandez Anaya displaying something more important than winning - sportsmanship. Two, and don’t take this the wrong way Rick I’m glad you posted this, but there was once upon a time when we didn’t need to point out such things, it was common behavior.

[Rick]

Agree completely tim... particularly on your Item 2... which is why the post title states we need more Iváns.