Sport isn't always just about winning. Often, what is most remembered above the epic victories and the devastating losses are those small but powerful acts of sportsmanship that can come out of nowhere, crossing team lines, and taking the crowds in the bleachers by surprise. These are the moments when athletes dissolve those fierce lines of competition and come together not as opponents, but as humans.
To celebrate the release of RACE, which tells the incredible true story of legendary athletic superstar Jesse Owens, and is in UK cinemas on June 3, we look at the greatest acts of sportsmanship throughout modern history.
10. Freddie Flintoff: 2005, The Ashes, Cricket
After a very close and intense 2005 cricket match between England and Australia, England came out in an extremely narrow two run victory. While the crowd and team all leapt to their feet in celebration, Freddie Flintoff had spotted Australian player Brett Lee slumped over in defeat, and, instead of immediately joining his own team to celebrate, Freddie walked over and offered a consoling handshake. This image of this gentle act of sportsmanship has now become one of the most famous sporting photographs of all time, and this seemingly small gesture has had a massive impact on the players and those that witnessed it.
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9. Judy Guinness: 1932, Los Angeles Olympic Games, Fencing
At the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, Judy Guinness was in the running to be the first Briton to win a gold medal for fencing, at the young age of 21. After a close final against Austrian Ellen Preis, Guinness was declared the winner. However, she pointed out to the judges that they had missed two hits from her opponent, who would have won if they had seen. Her honesty may have cost her the gold medal, but she is recognized throughout history now for this act of sportsmanship!
8. Robbie Fowler: 1997, Premier League, Football
After a penalty was awarded in a Premier League game at Highbury in 1997, the renowned Liverpool striker claimed he had not been fouled by David Seaman. The referee still insisted a spot kick had to be taken, so Fowler hit a weak shot straight at Seaman, as taking the shot would have been wrong. He received FIFA commendation later for this.
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7. Nigel Mansell: 1992, Formula 1, Racing
During the race that would determine the winner of the Formula 1 Championship, Nigel Mansell, who had never before won, and Ayrton Senna, often referred to as Mansell's nemesis, were in close competition 59 laps in. With 10 laps to go, Senna ran out of fuel, and Mansell strolled to the win. Mansell, while on his victory lap, went to pick up Senna who was stranded on the track completing a
long walk back to the garages, and they drove back to the pits together - A surprising and heart-warming act of sportsmanship from the two rivals.
6. Meghan Vogel: 2012, High School Division III, 3200m track
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During the 3200 metre finals in Columbus, Ohio, high school runner Meghan Vogen rushed to her rival Arden McMath's aid after she collapsed 20 metres from the finish line. Vogen helped her up and guided McMath to the end of the race, allowing her to come in 14th place, with herself finishing last in 15th. Meghan told ESPN that "any girl on the track would have done the same for me," but it really takes a great sportsman to act so selflessly.
5. Paolo Di Canio: 2001, Everton v West Ham United Match, Football
In 2001, in a football game between Everton and West Ham United, Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard collapsed after pulling a muscle mid-way through the game. When passed the ball, presented with an open goal and a perfect opportunity to score, Di Canio caught the ball instead and pointed to the injured Gerrard so that he could receive medical attention right away. The goal would have counted, but Di Canio chose an act of sportsmanship over an act of personal gain.
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4. Tana Umaga: 2003, New Zealand v Wales, Rugby
During New Zealand's 2003 Test Match with Wales, Captain Colin Charvis made a dart for the try line which was suddenly and forcefully ended when All Blacks back row Jerry Collins knocked him out cold in an attempt to end his run before they could score. Tana Umaga saw the seriousness of Charvis' state and left his place in the game to run to the aid of his opponent. He removed his gum shield and placed him in the recovery position until further help came. Umaga received the Pierre de Coubertin medal, and in honour of his display of sportsmanship, The Welsh Rugby Union also presented him with a figurine.
3. John Landy: 1956, National Championships, 1500m Track
During the 1500 metre final in the 1956 National Championship for track & field, midway through the race Ron Clarke fell injured and fellow runner John Landy, who was currently in the lead, stopped and ran back to check if his opponent was okay while the rest of the runners continued on. Landy helped Clarke to stand up and re-join the race, before he went on to win it, amazingly closing the gap between himself and those ahead seemingly effortlessly.
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2. Lutz Long: 1936 Summer Olympics, Long Jump
Lutz Long was a German athlete who competed in long-jump alongside Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany. Owens was Long's strongest opponent in the leap to first place and when the African American fouled his first two attempts, this could have been the perfect opportunity to slide into first place. Nonetheless, Lutz advised him to mark out his run up again which allowed Owens to qualify and eventually go on to win the gold medal. Lutz came in second, winning the silver medal, but not after being the first to congratulate Owens on his success.
Despite the racial tensions of Nazi Germany, Lutz walked arm-in-arm around the track with Owens, and this became the start of a lifelong friendship. Owens went on to win his other three medals with Lutz at his side, with the poise and aptitude to stomp Hitler's supreme ignorance into the ground.
1. Pete Goss: 1996, Round-the-World Vendee Globe Yacht Race, Sailing
On Christmas day in 1996, English sailor Pete Goss showed an incredible act of sportsmanship. A month and a half into the round-the-world Vandee, he received a mayday alert that a competitor - French sailor Raphael Dinelli's yacht had been wrecked in a storm in the Southern Ocean, and was in need of help. Goss immediately abandoned his course in the race and set off, sailing through hurricane winds to rescue Dinelli. Despite his yacht being knocked down various times en route, he managed to locate him with the aid of an Australian Air Force Plane. He has been awarded the Legion d'Honneur by France, and the two men have been close friends ever since.
RACE releases in UK cinemas on June 3
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