Sports are a great way to bring people together, but they can also be a breeding ground for competition and rivalry. In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to forget about sportsmanship and fair play. However, there are many athletes who have shown that it is possible to compete hard and still uphold these values. Here are five examples of sportsmanship and fair play in competitive sports:
1. Ivan Fernandez Anaya helps Abel Mutai cross the finish line
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In December 2012, Spanish runner Ivan Fernandez Anaya was giving a respectable performance in the Cross Internacional de Itálica race. He was in second place, with Kenyan runner Abel Mutai just a few feet ahead. However, Mutai mistakenly thought that he had reached the finish line and stopped running. Anaya could have easily overtaken Mutai and won the race, but instead he guided Mutai to the actual finish line and let him cross first.
2. Brazil and Colombia players help each other up after a collision
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During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil and Colombia faced off in a group stage match. In the first half, there was a hard collision between two players, one from each team. Both players were injured, but they quickly got up and helped each other off the field. This act of sportsmanship was applauded by fans and players alike.
3. Lutz Long encourages Jesse Owens to jump higher
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At the 1936 Olympic Games, Jesse Owens of the United States was competing in the long jump. He was up against German athlete Lutz Long, who was the defending champion. Long knew that Owens was the better jumper, so he encouraged him to jump further. Owens took Long’s advice and ended up winning the gold medal.
4. Jack Niklaus gives up his spot in the Ryder Cup
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In 1969, Jack Niklaus was one of the best golfers in the world. He was also a member of the United States team for the Ryder Cup. However, Niklaus knew that he was not playing his best, so he gave up his spot on the team to another player. This act of sportsmanship showed that Niklaus was more concerned with the team’s success than his own individual glory.
5. Shawn Crawford gives his silver medal to Kim Collins
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In the 200 meters final at the 2004 Olympic Games, Shawn Crawford of the United States finished second to Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, Crawford later admitted that he had false started in the race. He felt that Collins deserved the gold medal, so he gave it to him.
These are just a few examples of sportsmanship and fair play in competitive sports. These athletes showed that it is possible to compete hard and still uphold these values. Their actions are an inspiration to us all.
In addition to these examples, there are many other ways to show sportsmanship and fair play in competitive sports. Here are a few tips:
- Admit your mistakes. If you make a mistake, don’t try to cover it up. Own up to it and apologize to your opponent.
- Be respectful of your opponents. Even if you’re winning, don’t gloat or taunt your opponents. Show them respect, even if they don’t show it to you.
- Be a good sport, win or lose. Whether you win or lose, be gracious in defeat and humble in victory.
Sportsmanship and fair play are important values that we should all strive to uphold. By following these tips, we can make sports a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.