(ATR) Two middle-distance runners and the Norwegian Handball Federation have been honored at the International Fair Play Committee awards in Rio on Saturday, for upholding the true values of Olympism.
Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand and Abbey D’Agostino of the USA were competitors in the 5000m athletics event at Rio, and while neither walked away with a medal, they won hearts all over the world for their camaraderie.
A crash in the race saw D’Agostino help Hamblin up off the ground and urge her to complete the race. Seconds after D’Agostino collapsed due to her injuries, Hamblin in turn went to her aid. The two women, competitors from across the world, had forged a connection by virtue of the true Olympic spirit.
Hamblin was at the function held at the Olympic Club in the Barra Olympic Park to accept the award.
"I am more nervous up here now than I was at my event," Hamblin said after humbly accepting the award for something she said anyone would do in her place.
"We all want to go to the start line and be fair. We want to be fair but compete hard and it is getting the balance right that is important.
"We are the sum of the people that are around us from the immediate people we have contact with to the greater scale – Kiwis are just awesome people."
President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Mike Stanley was honored to watch Hamblin accept the prestigious award.
"It’s actually not surprising because as a nation we value fair play – its how we bring up our kids," he said.
The team award was given for an act of fair play in the lead up to the Rio Olympics, for the sportsmanship shown by the Norwegian handball team in qualifying.
Facing Germany in the semi-final of the European Championships with Olympic berths on offer, Norway lost in the dying seconds of over-time after an extremely tightly fought match. Shortly afterwards however it became apparent that Germany had an extra man on the field of play.
A protest was lodged and officials were faced with an extremely tough decision. After hours of discussion that went into the early hours of the morning, Norway opted to remove the protest, saying that ‘a game should not be decided in a meeting room.’ Norway did not compete in Rio, but they did uphold the values of the sport they love.
"It is an honor and a recognition to international handball on how we want to play the sport," said Norwegian Handball Federation President, Kaare Geir Lio.
The awards, which are given out annually, celebrate the fundamental values that are not only integral to sport but relevant in everyday life.
"During the Olympic Game, the acts of friendship and fair play are on the global stage," IOC Vice President, Nawal El Moutawakel said.
"We have been inspired by great moments of sportsmanship – sport teaches us to respect ourselves and each other."
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games are a double celebration for the International Fair Play Committee, celebrating their 50th year.
Written by Alice Wheelerat Olympic Park
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