True sportsmanship is revealed in these kinds of acts.
Any athlete will appreciate just how much effort goes in to preparing for a running season. So, after hours of training and dedication, the all-important state championship qualifier is a crucial race. Yet sophomore Samantha Wallenstrom from Marin Catholic, in California, jeopardized her big race by stopping to help a fellow competitor.
In the 800m race, fellow competitor and reigning champion Rayna Stanziano of Concord was ahead of the race in very wet conditions. With not long to go, Stanziano fell and Wallenstrom found herself in the lead.
“I was confused because she didn’t look like she was faltering at all, so I kind of passed her, didn’t know what to do, and then I turned around and said, ‘No, l should probably go back and help,’” she explained to The Mercury News.
In true sporting style, Wallenstrom stopped to reach out a hand to her fallen friend, before going on to finish the race in 2 minutes and 13.49 seconds. Stanziano managed to finish second thanks to Wallenstrom’s sportsmanship, and the two girls went on to qualify for state championships.