Fairplay and Honesty

by The Editor

In December 2012 a Spanish athlete, Iván Fernández Anaya, was competing in a cross-country race. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai who was the bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics.

As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish line, thinking he had already won.
Fernández Anaya caught up with him. But, instead of exploiting Mutai’s mistake and speeding past him to claim victory, he stayed behind him and guided the Kenyan to the line and let him cross first.
See the video.
Ivan Fernandez Anaya is an athlete with a big future. He was champion of Spain in the 5,000 meters two years ago. He said after the race:
“Even if winning would have earned me a place in the Spanish team for the European championships, I wouldn’t have passed him. The way things are in our society today, in soccer, in politics, it seems like anything goes to win.”
“What is important is to show children that sports and life are more than what they see on TV: violent kicks in abundance, posh statements, and fingers in the eyes of the enemy.”
He may have placed second in the race but definitely is a winner in life. Thanks, Ivan, for the example of fair play and being a true sportsman.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if Countries and People of every walk of life could rise to this level of humanity! I’m all for it, we at Family Abstract, welcome your thoughts!

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