A track star’s act of “peak sportsmanship” went viral and became a sensation online.
At the World Athletics Championships, an Australian and American track and field runner came together for a very gracious act of sportsmanship. It was certainly not something you’d expect in the highly competitive world of track and field. But, perhaps that’s why it’s gotten so much attention.
Katie Moon, an American pole vaulter, landed in a tie for the gold medal with Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy. She did that because Moon missed her final vault attempt, a chance that could have put her over the top. Both figuratively and literally.
The two athletes discussed what would come next. Obviously, something had to be sorted out in the event. After a discussion, a lengthy one, the two eventually came together on a decision that they would be co-gold medalists.
Kennedy and Moon embraced following the beautiful showing of sportsmanship. Kennedy then brought herself to tears as she immersed herself in the lovely moment.
The gracious showing is a rarity in sports, but it doesn’t make it any less great in that regard. It’s always nice to see things play out like this, especially with how competitive sports can be. So, hats off to Katie Moon and Nina Kennedy for this awesome act of sportsmanship.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022