Most athletes are willing to do anything to place on the podium. However, the Spanish triathlete Diego Méntrida deliberately let the third place run away during the running part of the race to support the opponent, who mistaken the direction just before the finish line.
The Spaniard Diego Méntrida lost to James Teagl of Great Britain in the Santander Triathlon race, which took place in his homeland in mid-September. However, the British triathlete tens of meters before the finish of the running part of the race saw a red sign, which he mistakenly considered his goal. There, however, the fans told him that he was wrong and led him to turn around.
Thanks to this, Méntrid overtook Brita, but when he noticed that his companion had lost his misfortune and lost his lead, he decided to be collegial. Just a short distance before the finish line, he waited for Teagl, shook his hand, and left the bronze medal to him. The station’s news website informed about it CNN.
The video capturing the emotional moment subsequently recorded millions of views on social networks, and people praised the 21-year-old Spanish athlete for his athletic behavior. “This simple gesture expresses the true values of sport,” Liverpool goalkeeper Adrián wrote on Twitter, for example. Another Spanish football representative, Iker Casillas, did not spare words of praise.
“You’re my man, Diego,” Will Smith wrote
But the story of a fair triathlete also gained attention outside the sports world. “It made me cry, I really appreciate such honest behavior. You’re my man, Diego. I appreciate what you did,” actor Will Smith said in a video in his Instagram account. Méntrid himself then admitted that he was surprised by the praise he received.
“I’ve only done what my parents and colleagues at the Ecosport Triathlon Club have taught me since I was a child. I think the same behavior should be a matter of course in similar situations. It never occurred to me that this little gesture might wake me up.” such a response in the media, but I am proud that people agreed with it, “said the athlete on Instagram.
The organizers of the race even awarded Méntrid an honorable third position in the final standings. “Similar actions confirm why it makes sense to organize sports competitions. Congratulations, Diego,” the team of organizers congratulated the athlete.
And words of appreciation were also uttered by his opponent. “I’ve been reconciled to fourth place and what Diego has done shows his honesty,” Teagle said.
Anyone can change, says a man who has lost tens of kilograms:
I ate the fridge every night. It only occurred to me when I wasn’t wearing my pants, Michal Kamermeier alias Majk recalls on the road. | Video: Martin Veselovský
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