New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D’agostina were awarded with special medals for sportsmanship after Hamblin tripped during the semi-final race, bringing D’agostina down with her. But it’s what happened after that really caught the world’s attention.

Awarded with the Pierre de Coubertin medal, D’Agostino was commended for not only getting back on her feet, but also for helping Hamblin up and encouraging her to run beside her.

Hamblin said: “Winning this award is overwhelming. I am proud that what we did and truly believe that you can be both a competitor and kind and responsive at the same time. “Everyone comes here to compete but there are a lot of people who don’t achieve that, and the journey is really important too.

“That was one of those journeys, and it has gone on to be one of the most important moments of my life.”

Filed under: Rio Olympics, Rio Olympics 2016, sports