Nikki Hamblin shows true Olympic spirit in 5,000m race
New Zealand runner helps American finish race after collision
By Aaron Stern, CBC Sports
Olympians train their whole lives to give themselves the best chance at a victory, but not all wins come in the form of medals.
Nikki Hamblin's touching display of sportsmanship in a women's 5,000-metre heat Tuesday showed everyone what the Olympics should be about.
After colliding with American Abbey D' Agostino, Hamblin helped her up and encouraged her to finish the race.
ICYMI | Collision turns into moment of courage for Olympic runners <a href="https://twitter.com/abbey_dags">@abbey_dags</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiHamblin">@NikkiHamblin</a> <a href="https://t.co/EKK4aVigHB">https://t.co/EKK4aVigHB</a> <a href="https://t.co/KsDfexw8J6">https://t.co/KsDfexw8J6</a>
—@CBCOlympicsBoth runners initially did not qualify for the final as Hamblin finished in 16th and D'Agostino hobbled over the finish line in last place. But after protesting the race due to the collision, both runners will be allowed to run in the final on Friday if healthy.
People on social media were quick to express their admiration of Hamblin's actions.
This is what <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportsmanship?src=hash">#sportsmanship</a> looked like moments ago in the women's 5000m final at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rio2016?src=hash">#Rio2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/EKK4aVzS6b">https://t.co/EKK4aVzS6b</a> <a href="https://t.co/pjg159dvrS">pic.twitter.com/pjg159dvrS</a>
—@CBCOlympicsBoth <a href="https://twitter.com/abbey_dags">@abbey_dags</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiHamblin">@NikkiHamblin</a> are heroes. I hope my son has half the grit, determination and strength that they have.
—@JayInHoovilleHeartbroken for two of my favorite athletes <a href="https://twitter.com/abbey_dags">@abbey_dags</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiHamblin">@NikkiHamblin</a>. Tremendous display of sportsmanship out there ladies <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/5k?src=hash">#5k</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rio2016?src=hash">#rio2016</a>
—@sceats_tweetsWhat sportsmanship from Abbey D'Agostino and New Zealand's Nikki Hamblin, helping each other after 5000m heats fall. <a href="https://t.co/71dYWd8FBc">pic.twitter.com/71dYWd8FBc</a>
—@nzaccardiAbbey D'agostino & Nikki Hamblin have just showed true sportsmanship and inspired one & all by finishing 5000m Heat despite injury <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rio2016?src=hash">#Rio2016</a>
—@VimarshMunsifMoments like these are what make the Olympics so great. What do you think about this incredible display of sportsmanship? Tweet us @CBCOlympics.