He’s won it all as a player in English football, the premier league, the champions league, the fa cup, the league cup, the club World Cup  and the Super cup but, his willingness to help others is what makes him a true champion. 

Sadio is known for doing a lot for his country, specifically his old village, Bambaly, Senegal. He donated £455,000 to build a new hospital, €250,000 to build a new school, he gives each family €70 every month (he’s helping 2,000 people), he’s provided 4g internet for them, he’s also built a fuel station and a post office. 

Sadio said:

“Why would I want ten Ferraris?”

“Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches, or two planes? What will these objects do for me and for the world?” 

“I was hungry, and I had to work in the field; I survived hard times, played football barefoot, I did not have an education and many other things, but today with what I earn thanks to football, I can help my people.”

“I built schools, a stadium, we provide clothes, shoes and food for people who are in extreme poverty. In addition, I give 70 euros per month to all people in a very poor region of Senegal which contributes to their family economy.”

“I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me.”

https://x.com/africafactszone/status/1538853799556792324?s=46&t=kbOD6ymhc2imq9aNnfKqwQ 

AFCON Final Saved By Mane

Recently, in the AFCON 2025 final, things got a bit out of control when Senegal scored a late goal but it was disallowed by VAR.  Minutes later, Morocco were awarded a penalty. This sent the Senegalese fans and manager into a rage. The manager, Pape Thiaw, demanded his players leave the pitch. The fans were fighting with the police. It was very messy, but there was one calm face out there, Sadio Mane. He urged the fans to calm down and persuaded the Senegalese players to return to the pitch and finish the match. They eventually did come back out and Senegal went on to win the African Nations Cup 2026.

Sadio announced, before the game, that he would be retiring after this final, and in an interview after the game, he said “ I don’t want to be remembered as a great footballer, I want to be remembered as a great human.” 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ATCnCzdJH/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Cian R. Smith

You can read the stories and watch the videos, or listen to the Top 10 stories recorded with BBC Radio London here.

Thanks to Phil Parry, BBC Radio London Sports Show anchor man.

As in previous years we’ll start with 10th best story and work our way down to the number 1 moment.

The 10^th Best Sportsmanship Story: A Scottish Kid Greets Thousands of Swiss Fans & This Happens…

At the end of a football match between Celtic & a Swiss club, ‘Young Boys’, way back in Jan 2025 , the ‘away’ fans were kept in the stadium to let the home fans exit the stadium first.

A very young Celtic supporter stood on his own in the now-empty Celtic seats and he started to applaud the Swiss fans. They see the kid and soon, thousands of Swiss fans c with the young ‘Joshua’. Then the thousands of Swiss fans spontaneously and collectively applaud the youngster.

For a moment, rivalry vanished and pure football camaraderie shined.

The 9^th Best Story: Belgium Helps Collapsing Colombian Across The Line

World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, last September …. in the 3000m steeplechase qualifier.

Belgian runner, Tim Van de Valde, saw the Colombian, Carlos San Martin, stumbling uncontrollably after colliding with the barrier. The Belgian runner thought ‘why not?’

So the Belgian helped the Colombian – his rival competitor – over the finish line. Rivals United in Sportsmanship.

The 8^th Best Story: Honest Spanish Tennis Sensation Gives Point Up To American

Paris in June – The French Open. Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz is playing the American, Ben Shelton. Shelton hits a great shot that Alcaraz couldn’t reach, so Alcaraz threw his racket at the ball, which somehow made good enough contact & sent the ball back over the net. The point was awarded to Alcaraz.

Alcaraz then tells the umpire that he had broken the rules as he was not holding the racket when it made contact with the ball.

The umpire agreed and took the point off Alcaraz and awarded it to Shelton instead. Honesty & Integrity is, indeed, refreshing.

7^th Best Story: A Young Grieving Debutant Goaly Embraced by Opposition Fans

This beautiful story is about great fans and a young goalkeeper. Brent Stevens was making his professional debut for  Genk in the Belgium 1^st Division B, on the 13th April 2025 – just a week after the death of his father.

So there was a minute’s silence before the game for the goal-keeper’s father. After that every player from the opponents, RFC Liege, came up to the young goal-keeper to show him their support.

Then late in the game the 21 year old  Belgian keeper saved a penalty. The opposition fans applauded him, and at full-time, they gestured to the young goalkeeper to come over. He did and the opposition fans hugged the young goalkeeper, showering him with waves of respect, warmth and friendship.

6th Best Story: Brazilian F1 Driver ‘Does The Decent Thing’ to Canadian After They Crash

Heading across the Atlantic & west to Las Vegas Grand Prix for a rare apology in Formula 1 Championship in November.

Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto collides with Canadian, Lance Stroll. Both drivers are out of the race.

After the race, the Brazilian walked over to the Aston Martin Hospitality Suite, admitted to his error and apologised: “First of all, I would like to apologise to Lance “It was my fault.”

An apology is rare but is always an honourable thing.

5th Best Story: Hard-Hitting Tongan Rugby Players Kneel With Scottish

Let’s go over to Murrayfield, Scotland when Tonga played Scotland who beat Tonga 56-0 in the Autumn Series.

At the end of the game all players from both sides huddled together, with their arms over each other, they knelt down on one knee and prayed.

Although rivals on the field, all the players were united in a moment of prayer. What a great way to pay respect to the culture of the visiting team.

View this post on Instagram

4th Best Story: A Broken Scottish Dreamer Rises Among The Great  

This is all about a very special guy,  Bob Maclntyre, a Scottish golfer who did something subtle yet magical this year

He was on the brink of his first Major title, the US Open. He was leader in the clubhouse & he watched American JJ Spaun who somehow putted a 65 foot putt on the 18^th hole to win the Open and break the Scotsman’s dreams.

Despite the shattering disappointment, MacIntyre was seen clapping the American and saying ‘wow’ as the American’s ball trickled into the hole.

Incidentally, MacIntyre’s parents have fostered children for many years and when Bob MacIntyre asked if that had influenced his approach to life, he shared these wise words:

‘I think it makes you realise that hitting a white ball around a golf course isn’t the most important thing’ said the successful Ryder Cup player. BBC Link

3rd Best Story A Spanish Guard of Honour for Wonderful Swiss Hosts 

This takes us to Women’s World Rugby Cup 2025 which, as you know, was hosted in England, who went on to win it – congrats to the Roses.

However, earlier in the competition, on Sep 19, in the semi-final between Canada and New Zealand a beautiful sportsmanship moment was captured on camera.

Canada, the underdog semi-professionals, had to crowdfund their preparations for this tournament.

While the Black Ferns, six-time world champions, had their 11-year winning streak in the tournament ended by Canada’s shock 34-19 win.

At the end of the game, the Canadian winger, Hogan-Rochester is on her knees giving, what looks like, a small, hand-made traditional bracelet as a gift to her opposite winger – Kiwi, Sorensen-McGee who was sitting on the grass, as the Canadian discussed elements of the bracelet. After the chat, they both stand up and hug each other.

Commentators noted that there was simply an “astonishing level of sportsmanship present in women’s rugby”.

World Rugby Women

2nd Best Story: South African Humility, Respect & Honour for West Indian Cricket Hero

This is a truly extraordinary story which happened on day 2 of the South Africa v Zimbabwe test match in July. South Africa’s batsman Wiaan Mulder, was on 367 runs & not out (just 33 runs from Lara’s 400 runs, which he made against England in 2004 – which is the world record for the most runs scored in an innings in an international test match).

Out of respect for the West Indies legend, Mulder declared himself and South Africa’s first innings on 626 – 5,  giving up the opportunity of scoring 400+ runs, taking the world record and making history.

Wiaan Mulder said this in an interview after the match “First things first, I thought we’d got enough and we need to bowl,”

“And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. He got 400 against England and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. ”

“If I get the chance again I’d probably do the same thing. I was speaking to our coach Shukri Conrad and he kind of said to me, ‘Listen, let the legends keep the really big scores’ “.

“And you never know what my fate or whatever you want to call it, or what’s destined for me, but I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”

Best Sportsmanship Moment 2025: Spanish Guard of Honour Says ‘Thank-You’ to Swiss Hosts

Euro 2025 (which the Lionesses won beating Spain in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out with good old Hanwell [West London] lady Chloe Kelly delivering the winning penalty – BTW the coffee shop in Hanwell, called Momentum, has her life-sized mural painted on the external wall of the coffee shop).

The actual best sportsmanship moment came at the end of  – the knock-out match between the much-fancied Spain versus the underdogs Switzerland (who were hosting Euro 2025).

Incidentally, the Swiss did a great job with the Women’s Euro 2025 – it had the biggest attendances, biggest fan marches (mixed fans) and the most goals ever! And it was so exciting.

Back to the Spain v Switzerland knockout game. Spain eventually won 2-0 and the hosts, Switzerland, were out. Then this happened…. The Swiss team walked around the pitch with a large banner saying ‘Merci Fans’ (thank you fans).. to a standing ovation….. while the Spanish team waited quietly at the far end by the players’ tunnel & set up a guard of honour for their wonderful Swiss hosts. So the Spanish ladies applauded the Swiss team off the pitch, leaving a warm feeling between the teams, the fans, the TV audiences and hopefully you too.

What a great moment. Congrats to the Swiss team and the Spanish team.

One final thought going forward into 2026:

That coffee shop in Hanwell with Chloe Kelly’s mural we mentioned earlier – it also has something unique painted in beautiful big letters across the door. Can you remember?

‘Kindness is the new superpower’

– perhaps this could be the new motto for 2026?

If you enjoyed these 2025 stories, do leave a comment and/or share the stories with others. You might also enjoy our previous years’ 10 x 1-minute stories (either on audio or in words):

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2024

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2023

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2022

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2021

Top 5 Sportsmanship Moments 2020 (Covid Year)

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2019

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2018

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2017

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2016

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2015

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2014

Thanks to Phil Parry, anchorman on BBC Radio London Saturday Sports Show. We always sit and chat for several hours after our Top 10 Moments.  Thanks for your inspiration Phil.

As in previous years we’ll start with 10th best story and work our way down to the number 1 moment. Incidentally, this is the 10th year that we’ve recorded these stories with BBC Radio London, so we now have 100 x 1 minute sportsmanship stories from all over the world across all sports.

Let’s get down to 2024 moments. In 10th place we have a rugby story. With the 6 Nations Rugby starting again this month (Fri 31 Jan Fra v Wales), interestingly in 10^th place we have a truly international rugby story and it’s about ‘love’.

10th Best Sportsmanship Story from 2024

Irish international rugby player, Bundee Aki, is of Samoan decent but was born in Auckland, New Zealand and grew up there. In 2014 he moved to Ireland to play for Connacht and by 2017 he was eligible to play for Ireland.  He has been an ever present in the Irish squad ever since.

He was recently asked “what one word sums up your relationship with Ireland?” His reply was “Love”.

“I love playing for Ireland, I love the people in Ireland, they’ve given me nothing but love and I could only show it back just through the way I play and the way I represent the country”.  See the 30 second video.

9th Best Story:  The Lonely Long Distance Runner (Cambodia)

In 9^th place comes a Long Distance Running story from the The South East Asian Games, held in Cambodia in May – the first time Cambodia ever hosted SEAG.

Cambodia’s 20 year old Bou Samnang fought her way into the 5k finals. But on the biggest day of her life, 5k finals, she fell ill with Amnemia (the body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood – causes tiredness, weakness, dizziness, difficulty breathing).

She still ran the race. She finished last, in fact, 6 mins behind the winner and for 90 seconds, during a torrential downpour,  she was the only runner on the track – she was the lonely long-distance runner.

Despite the rain, wind, thunder and lightning the lonely 20–year old just kept going. The crowd didn’t know Bou Samnang was ill all day. Regardless, the fans were inspired by her grit and applauded her. “It was important for me to finish the race because of the crowd support that I had and also that I was representing Cambodia.

She was crying and soaked at the end – then carried a Cambodian flag out and bowed very briefly to the cheering crowd.

The video went viral. The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, gave her $10,000 for her honour & determination. The Cambodian King, Norodom Sihamoni, said he was proud of her for reminding everyone that sports are about more than winning and losing.

8^th Best Story: Pakistani and Indian Cricket Fans Unite and Cheer England Football Team.

This story is about the fans. India were playing against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (a contest for retired and non-contracted players) at Edgbaston cricket ground (Birmingham, England).

At the same time, England Men were playing against Switzerland in the quarter final of the Euros. All of a sudden the clubhouse at Edgbaston was filled with Indian and Pakistani fans, united together to support the England football team.

Mr Bhangal, who took this video said the clip showed that “people can support their heritage and be proud of their heritage, and support the country they’re born in, at the same time.”

7^th Best Story: American Gymnastics Coaches a Kid to Backflip in One Hour

This is a beautiful gymnastics story about a young coach & a kid. Coaches are often the unsung heroes. This is also a story about the sheer joy of sport

It’s incredible what humans are capable of with trust & a great teacher.

Check out gymnastics teacher, American Bob Reese teaching a young, hungry student how to do a backflip – in an hour – with incremental tips that increase confidence & accelerate skill acquisition.

He fills his student with self belief, building a flowing movement in small, digestible pieces and the results are stunning.

When the kid does a successful backflip – just look at the child’s smile – a sense of achievement – the sheer joy of sport.

Watch this video.

6th Best Story: North & South Korean Table Tennis Players Have Fun

In July we had the Paris Olympics and a magical sportsmanship moment occurred when the ping pong (table tennis) mixed doubles produced an incredible moment during the medal ceremony.

North Korea got the silver medal and south Korea the bronze medal. After receiving the medals, one of the South Korean players got a phone out and took a ‘selfie’ photograph together with all the players from South Korea and North Korea and the Chinese gold medalists also joined the selfie.

This was particularly special because The North Korean government reportedly instructed its athletes not to engage with competitors from other nations

So Ping pong diplomacy fulfilled one of the goals of Olympism which is to bring young people from different nations together and to make friends. See the photo.

In 5^th place: Beach Volley Ball Canadian and Brazilian Players Clash and then……

This is an extraordinary story. It’s the Women’s beach volleyball gold medal match….and tempers flared at the net between the Canadian and Brazilian players. A yellow card was issued.

To calm things down the DJ plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’. The players look at each other with a smile, the anger passes and the crowd starts singing along.

All the players later giggled and hugged and had a little dance. The Olympic spirit of ‘young people making friends from different countries’  still prevails with a little help from our other friend –  the late, great John Lennon.

In 4^th place: When Spanish Footballers Applauded a German

Do you remember the Euros back in June & July?

Quarter Finals – Germany v Spain.

Germany were beaten by Spain with a last minute winner in extra time.

And so, it was time to say goodbye bye to an all time great, Germany’s Toni Kroos, who announced prior to the tournament that he will be retiring at the end of the Euros.

At the end of the game the Spanish players lined up to pay their respects to the German legend – a real touch of class from the Spanish side. More here.

In 3^rd place: American Gymnasts Bow to Brazilians

It’s the Olympics and it’s gymnastics, floor exercise, with American, Simone Biles (a truly extraordinary young lady) and Jordan Chiles winning the silver and bronze medals respectively .

At the podium, as Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade received her gold medal, both Simone and Jordan bowed to her – which was captured in a a spectacular photo.

Incidentally, the podium was the first all-Black gymnastics podium in Olympic history. Biles later said, “It was just the right thing to do”. She also said that the moment was important because it represented all the little girls and boys who look like them.

Humility & Fun are important parts of sportsmanship.

In 2nd place: English Snooker Player Refuses Easy Pot

The 2024 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible, produced a truly great moment of sportsmanship. Ronnie O’Sullivan, playing against Stuart Bingham pointed out a mispositioned black ball that benefited him. When the referee placed the black ball on the spot, there was a tiny indentation in the green felt surface (which often happens after many days of intensive play). The indentation moved the ball slightly and gave Ronnie a relatively easy opportunity to pot a red ball. Ronnie refused to pot the ball and insisted the referee kept repositioning the black ball until it blocked his easy shot.

Ronnie O’Sullivan passed up a potential frame-winning shot in his quarter-final match with a gesture that simply upholds the integrity of the sport.

In 1^st place: our winner – the sportsmanship moment 2024 -arguably the Greatest Olympian Ever – A Humble Cuban Wrestler 

This is the story of the great Cuban Champion Wrestler – who finished his career and left his boots in the ring.

Mijaín López, arguably, the greatest Olympian of all time – the 42 year old is the only Olympian to have won 5 consecutive gold medals in the same Olympic individual event….. in  Greco-Roman wrestling

Lopez was called ‘El Terrible’ since he dominated his sport for so long.

”The legacy that I want to leave to all the young people who follow me is to always fight for what they want to achieve,” …. “there are no purposes in life that cannot be achieved.”

After winning his 5^th consecutive gold, the Olympic Champion of the heaviest weight class – bent down on his right knee, untied his boot lace and removed his left boot. The crowd start to applaud. He looks up humbly. Then he switches knees and unties his right boot, then pushes both boots away from him, looks at them and then picks them up, kisses them and places them back down on the canvas for the very last time. The crowd are going ballistic.

And his way of saying goodbye – ending his wrestling career was special. He left the ring and he left his boots in the centre of the ring. “It is as if you have left a part of your life there”. He also said, “I left a dream on the mat, but a dream that will inspire all young people”.

Humility & Inspiration from the truly great Cuban, Mijain Lopez.

Please Note: We will add the BBC Radio London Audio file within a week – meanwhile you can hear (and/or read) previous Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments

So if you enjoyed these 2024 stories, you might also enjoy our previous years’  Top Moments:

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2023

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2022

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2021

Top 5 Sportsmanship Moments 2020 (Covid Year)

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2019

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2018

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2017

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2016

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2015

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2014

Thanks to Phil Parry, anchorman on BBC Radio London Saturday Sports Show. We always sit and chat for two hours after our Top 10 Moments.  Thanks for your inspiration Phil.

1. Cuban Wrestler –  Leaves His Boots in the Ring

Mijaín López, the Olympic Champion of the heaviest Greco-Roman wrestling weight class bent down on his right knee, untied his boot lace and took off his left boot. The crowd start to applaud. He looks up humbly. Then he switches knees and unties his right boot, then pushes both boots away from him, looks at them and then picks them up, kisses them and places them back down on the canvas for the very last time. The crowd are going ballistic. They know this is the end of arguably the greatest Olympian of all time, as Mijain Lopez is the only Olympian to have won 5 consecutive gold medals in the same Olympic individual event. Having started his Olympic adventure way back in 2004, here he is is 20 years wiser and greater – saying goodbye, just shy of his 42^nd birthday. Who would have thought that a 10-year-old kid from Herradura, a poor town in western Cuba, would one day, become known as ‘El Terrible’ since he dominated his sport for so long.

“The legacy that I want to leave to all the young people who follow me is to always fight for what they want to achieve,” he said. “There are no goals, there is no age, there are no purposes in life that cannot be achieved.” As Patrick Skene says López final words were, timeless wisdom: “Be wise,….always let yourself be loved by all the people who love you, by all your coaches, by your family.”
Thank you Mijaín López, arguably, the greatest and most humble Olympic immortal.

Image courtesy of @HardMMAF and thank you to Patrick Skeene for alerting me to this story.

2. American Gold Invites St Lucia Silver To The Bell

Gabby Thomas works as a volunteer at night, gets up and trains in the morning, studies in the afternoon, except,  when she’s winning gold Medals in the Olympics. Back home, in Texas, Gabby volunteers at a health clinic for those who cannot afford proper medical care. Upon winning gold in Paris 2024 200m, she didn’t pose for cameras holding her name tag or pointing to her country’s emblem, instead, she chose to hug St Lucia’s sensation (100m gold winner) Julian Alfredos, who came second in the 200m and console her by telling her that she (Julian) is ‘a hero and a role model to young women in her country.’ And then the extraordinary Gabby Thomas did the extraordinary (yet again). Gabby invites Julian to come and ring the bell with her – a new convention that is reserved for gold medalists only. Julian declined. You can see the friendship between these opponents.

Visual courtesy of  Eurosport. Thanks to Michael Vathilakis  & Will Carling for alerting me to this story.

3. Pakistani Village Propels Javelin and Stuns the World

‘It takes a village to raise a gold medallist!’ says Patrick Skene. This is a rags to riches story about  Arshad Nadeem, the man who ended Pakistan’s 40-year gold medal drought with a whopping great Javelin throw of 92.97m! He trained at home (his backyard) without any real javelin facilities. His father worked harder to pay for his competition and his village in Khanewal in Pakistani Punjab funded his competition expenses. He wanted to compete in the Olympics but got no government funding for the Tokyo Olympics. Once again, his village helped him. He made it to Tokyo 2021 and came 5^th.  For Paris 2024, he needed a new javelin but had no money, so he reached out and asked for help via social media for a new javelin.  He got his javelin and headed for Paris where he duly ‘swept aside all comers, twice throwing more than 90 metres and setting a new Olympic record of 92.97m with a beautifully balanced throw……..

Video courtesy of Eurosport. Thanks to Patrick Skeene for alerting me to this story.

Congratulations to Arshad Nadeem for reminding us all that beyond training facilities, science, tech, the raw talent, the unbreakable spirit,  the love and support from a family and the local village community can still deliver gold.

4. Irish Rowers Taken Downtown by French

Gold Medalists Irish rowers, Paul O’Donovan & Fintan McCarthy share the comradery between opponents in this heart-warming interview, where the French invite the Irish to come and celebrate in downtown Paris. At 2’50” O’Donovan says:
“The French say they’re going to take us for some baguettes & wine downtown in Paris later on today They had a good race to finish out the B Final there. They’re good lads. You know they beat us in Lucern last year. They were disappointed not to make the final in their home crowd, but em, you know they were cheering us on this morning, before went out. They’re two good lads. The whole lightweight field – they’re all very friendly lads. So hopefully we’ll try and meet up with as many of them as we can later on, as well as – there’s a few of the Irish ….win or lose we’re all enjoying ourselves together and enjoying each others’ successes. I think there’s probably a few people that were hoping for more, but I’m sure their time will come in the future too.”

Video courtesy of RTE   O’Donovan & McCarthy reflect on gold downtown in Paris.

An interesting twist to this story occurred when on the flight back home to Dublin………

An Irish fan was flying home from the Paris Olympics after watching the equestrian events at Versailles. Kieran Duggan found himself sitting near the two double Olympic gold medallists (Olympic Rowing Champions – lightweight double sculls), Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy. They had a great chat and he ended up giving them (plus Natalie Long, from the women’s fours plus a lot of kit) a lift from Dublin to Cork. They were going to get a bus (and were hoping it wasn’t sold out!’) and then maybe someone might pick them (and all their kit) to take them on home to their beautiful town of Skibereen in West Cork.

Kieran Duggan now says:

“It is not everyone can say they went to the Olympics and brought home two gold medallists!”  

5. Indian’s Quiet Celebration with Chinese Badminton Player

India’s Lakshya Sen won the quarter-finals of the Men’s Badminton – the first time an Indian male badminton player has made it this far. However, he did not celebrate. He refused the temptation of jumping, dancing and celebrating. He chose, instead, to celebrate his Olympic win silently with a simple shake of the hands.   Why?  His opponent, China’s Chou Tien-chen, is fighting colorectal cancer. This, in itself, is a huge Olympian feat for the Chinese player as, despite having surgery last year, Chou Tien-chen somehow managed to qualify to represent China in the Olympics 2024.

His very participation was, in itself, an Olympic achievement. Lakshya’s decision to not celebrate in front of his opponent was a subtle display of respect. Great sportsmanship!

Thank you to Dr Jaison Philip for alerting me to this story.

6. No Medals But Plenty of Joy

Watch this interview. Truly excellent Irish sports journalist, David Gillick, helped the Women’s 4 x 400m relay team keep it together and extract more joy rather than sadness from the medal-less Irish heroines who shared their joy and pride of participating in an Olympic Finals – Ireland’s first-ever 4 x 400m Olympic finalists. Great Interview – “You’ve taken 3 seconds off the national record. I know it’s hard but what’s going through your head?” says Gillick and as he moves onto the final runner he reassures her by reminding and prompting her that “The journey that not only you but the whole squad has been on – has been amazing.”

Thanks to @Garry Connolly for alerting me to this story.

7. “I feel like a failure” but Australian Boxer Rises Again

This is really raw. Harry Garside is a great man. He reveals his vulnerability about his mental health, the dark side of sport and the hurt of losing an Olympic dream and the weight of expectation on his shoulders. But also, courtesy of great interviewer, Harry, who was going for gold, managed to pick himself up, thank many people and inspire many more.  ‘Real champions are revealed in losing’ says Patrick Skeene. ‘It’s not whether you won or lost, but, how you played the game’ (see below).

After the shock first round loss to Hungarian Richard Kovacs, the two-time Olympian (he won bronze in Tokyo) Garside said he “feels like a failure” after “devoting two decades to a dream, that is over just like that.” He then apologised to everyone.  Despite the deep pain, Harry Garside managed to end the interview with an inspirational message for any kids watching.

See Patrick Skene’s Linkedin post to watch this unsettling video interview but be warned. It is not easy viewing.

8. Pipped By Two-Hundredths of a Second BUT Feels Like A Winner

Adam Peaty (GB) was stopped from making history by becoming the first person to win the Men’s 100m Breaststroke Gold Medal in three consecutive Olympic Games – by just two-hundredths of a second. He instantly swam over to the victorious Italian, Nicolo Martinenghi, to congratulate him.    Peaty had previously suffered severe mental issues, retired and came back for this Olympics.

“I gave my absolute all there. I executed it as well as I could. It’s not about the end goal, it’s all about the process and it doesn’t matter what the time says on the score because in my heart I’ve already won.…. I’m not crying because I’ve come second. I’m crying because it took so much to get here….To get a silver, I feel like I have won and it’s the one that means the most. My heart is so happy because I can theoretically lose and feel like I have won.”   Swimming.org

9. A Very Different Irish Celebration – Boxer Sings A Song

Some Olympic champions leap around the place. Others punch fists in the air. While others collapse in tears. However, Ireland’s Double #Olympic #Boxing #Gold #Medalist, Kellie Harrington chose differently. Firstly she gave a little boogie dance while still in the ring – after her opposite boxer had left.

https://www.tiktok.com/@rte2/video/7400374134515043616

Video courtesy of @rte2

Then Kellie came back dressed in her tracksuit and sang a song to the patient Irish fans who had waited for her inside the arena. So Kellie sang a song, ‘Grace’ – arguably Ireland’s most romantic/heartbreaking song ever written.

Thanks to John Dawson for alerting me to this story and  HerSport.ie for capturing it.

10. Four Powerful Words Made British Triathlon Win

As fatigued British triathlon runner, Alex Lee, came around the bend for the very last lap he was 14 seconds behind the leader. In the crowd, stood the former Olympic champion, Britain’s  Alistair Brownlee (2012 & 2016 Gold Medal triathlon) – he shouted some words that made a huge difference: ‘Anything can happen mate.’

Lee described how he heard the words (with one lap to go he (Brownlee) ‘said to me, “Anything can happen, mate.” Lee admitted, “It fired me up.”

‘He (Brownlee) shouted that out. It’s a pretty special moment to look back at that now.  It definitely was a moment of belief…. It’s pretty special when somebody does that. “I don’t even know if I thought I was going to win” [after overtaking his good friend and competitor Hayden Wilde].  Yee overtook Wilde, and then sprinted across the bridge to the finish line, eventually winning by six seconds. Yee and Wilde embraced and sat together, exhausted, on the road – an iconic image demonstrating the comraderie,  between the Kiwi and the Brit.

An iconic photo of Yee and Wilde at the end of the triathlon captures the essence of Olympisism.

Olympism–the real Olympic dream?

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1818597135098564822

Video Courtesy of BBC

When asked about the iconic image (see below), Yee said: “I think it’s just an appreciation for each other. We work hard day in and day out to be the best athletes we can be. When there is that one person that pushes you to those new limits and those new heights, I have so much appreciation for him. As a person who’s allowed me to do that.”

Thanks to Tim March for alerting me to this story.

11. You Are Never Too Old – Olympic Debut at 58

You are never too old to try something new, or in this case, something you once loved. Zeng Zhiying made her Olympic debut at 58. Forty years ago (1984) at the tender age of 18, Zeng Zhiying expected to go to the Olympics for her birth country, China. She was one of the best table-tennis players in the world. A new ‘two-colour’ rule meant that the bat could no longer be black on both sides.  This upset Zeng who used to rotate the pad/bat to confuse her opponents. Different colours let opponents see which side she was using  and was not so unpredictable anymore.

She never made the Olympic team and at 20 years old, retired from the game. She became a table tennis coach in school overseas in Chile. Years later covid came,  Zeng started playing again to keep fit and healthy and soon fell in love with her game again. She made the Chilean team at the age of 58. Despite losing her match, she said: “But I don’t feel very sad, because this is sport. My husband, my sons, everyone I love and care about were there shouting my name. I feel so content.”

Inspired from Hindustan Times Spots Desk & Adam Ryan on X

Thanks to Rashmi Dattrashmi Datt

12. North & South Korea Unite –  Olympism Prevails

North & South Korea unite for a ‘selfy’ (photo). Some say this photo says it all – about the Olympics and nicely summarises Paris 2024. One of the original goals of the Olympics is ‘to make new friends from different countries’ So when one of the South Korean athletes produced a cell phone for a group photo at the podium, everyone smiled. See the photo here.

This photo went viral and is being hailed as ‘a rare show of cross-border unity’ and a way of showing the “true Olympics Spirit”. In this mixed doubles table tennis, China won the gold, North Korea won the silver and South Korea won the bronze.

The medals ceremony ‘selfie’ shows South Korea’s Lim Jonghoon, left, taking the photograph with North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik, second left, and Kim Kum-yong, third left, China’s Wang Chuqin, second right, and Sun Yingsha, this right and his teammate Shin Yubin.

The Essence of Olympism.

The goals of the Olympic movement are:

To educate man in both mind and body.

To compete in sport rather than war.

To foster friendship amongst young people.

To bring different nations closer together.

If you liked this you might also like:

[] Olympism – The Real Dream (4 min video)
[] How Sport Can Save The World (my TedXTalk)
[] Top 10 Tokyo 2021 Olympic Sportsmanship Moments
[] How London 2012 Became ‘The Friendly Olympics’
[] Euro 2024 Magical Sportsmanship Moments 
[] Not that You Won or Lost but How You Played The Game  join this conversation that’s been continuing for 16 years!

[] Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2023….. 2022….2021…2020….and more scroll past the videos and you’ll find Top 10 Moments for each year as recorded by BBC Radio London and The Great Sportsmanship Programme.

Post a comment. Share the stories. Enjoy your sport and your sportsmanship moments.

Connect with me on Linkedin PR Smith

5^th     

Georgian shakes hands with Portuguese before celebrating
The 2024 European championships in Germany has produced some shocks but none more so than when Georgia beat Portugal 2-0 in the group stage. Then, that special moment came at the end of the game, when, Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (who scored a goal),  instead of running onto the pitch and celebrating with his team mates at the final whistle, he stopped and went straight over to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, out of respect, and shook his hand. It was a touch of class from the Georgian star. Watch it here.

And later Ronaldo gave his shirt to Kvaratskhelia, you can see how proud he is of his opposition’s shirt

4^th

Remembering Former Team Mates Who Also Suffered Penalty Loneliness

In Euro 2021 (2020 was delayed by COVID) England lost in the final against Italy by a penalty shoot-out, the three unfortunate lads to miss were Marcus Rashord, Jaden Sancho and Bukayo Saka. Only Saka was picked for the 2024 Euro 2024, so when he stepped up to take a penalty in the quarter final, the whole nation held their breath…. The young man kept his composure and scored from the spot. England went on to win the penalty shootout, with Saka picking up the man of the match award. A lovely moment came from Sancho who posted on his Instagram – “I’m so proud of this guy @bukayosaka87, you did it for me and Marcus brother”

3^rd

Spanish Say Goodbye to German Hero  
Germany were dumped out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage by a last-minute Spanish goal in extra time. At the final whistle, it was  time to say goodbye to Germany’s all-time great, Toni Kroos, who announced prior to the tournament his retirement at the end of the tournament.  At the end of the game, all of the Spanish players immediately lined up to pay their respects to the German legend – and shake his hand. A real touch of class from this great Spanish side.

2^nd

India and Pakistan Stop World Cup Cricket Match & Show Love for England

India were playing against Pakistan in the cricket World Cup in Edgbaston, England, while the England football team were in a penalty shootout against Switzerland. Crowds of both Indian and Pakistani fans as they gathered inside to watch the penalty shootout instead of the cricket match. United together, they all celebrated when England’s Trent tucked away his penalty to send England through to the semi-final of the European championships. Watch this truly amazing moment as many different ethnic groups from a different sport, show their love for England. Sport unites us all.

1^st

Dignity in Defeat

Love him or hate him, Gareth Southgate made his players proud of playing for England. He guided England to back to back European championship finals but unfortunately lost both. Here he is, moments after losing the Euro 2024 Final, while the Spanish squad celebrated their victory – Southgate consoles his own players, applauds the opposition players and shanks hands with the referee and linesmen. A man with dignity in defeat.

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy:

World Cup 2014 Best Sportsmanship Moments (Part 1/2)

He missed 3 penalties in one match but never gave up.

We knew we were part of the universe of footballers (part 1)

Video and Audio (radio) sportsmanship stories

Just like Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger who previously raised professional British football performance standards, Klopp also changed British football, with something extra.
Love.
Yes, love, warmth, humanity, Jurgen Klopp’s smile lit up football stadia, TV screens and homes all over the world.

He started walking onto the pitch after games and hugging his players. He shook hands, and often hugged, opposition players, coaches and managers.
His interviews were special. Always with a smile and an interesting comment even during tough times.

He was extremely successful too. The German spent 9 years at the club, winning 8 major trophies, most notably their first league title since 1990.

Klopp’s time at Liverpool came to an end last weekend, signing off with a 2.0 win against Wolves at Anfield.
It was an emotional day for all involved and he was given an incredible send-off by the club and fans.

Jurgen Klopp brought something special to Liverpool

Something that they’d missed for years. Passion, intensity, humour, a manager who understands, the players, the fans, the community of Liverpool (both red and blue) and beyond.  His big smile will live long in the memories of red scousers. See the power of a smile.

 “If only the world…

had leaders who had an ounce of Klopp’s inspirational integrity, authenticity, credibility, transparency, honesty, compassion, passion, spirit and humility anchored by a true sense of place, time and legacy!”  Tim March, TMC Consulting & Football Coach.

Upon his departure, Klopp wrote an open letter to the fans which (see below).  You will rarely see anything quite like this.  It’s full of love and the last words are: ‘Thank you love.’ Extraordinary really.  Read on.

Farewell Jurgen Klopp.

Thanks to Cian Smith for this story.

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy:

[] Not that You Won or Lost but How You Played The Game (NB this post triggered an ongoing conversation for 16 years!)

[] Smiling the awesome Power of a Smile 

[] Claudio Ranieri Leicester City’s Sacked Manager’s  Honourable Exit Speech (Number 3  in the Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2017)

[] “If one day I score, I’d be so happy that I’d fly.” – one of the best football videos you will ever see.

[] Great Fans – Wenger Stops TV Commentators so French Can hear Irish Sing

Explore more stories categorised by country and by sport (see right hand side)

Please pass these stories on.

Free workbooks, slides and posters for schools, universities and clubs.

said  the BBC commentator and former World champion Neil Robertson. So watch this.

Refused To Take An Unfair Advantage  

World number one snooker player, Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’Sullivan, showed incredible sportsmanship at the world snooker championships. Competing against Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals on the 28th April 2024 in England, Ronnie showed his class when he refused to take the easy shot to pot the red ball, after, he felt, he had gained an unfair advantage from the referee’s respotting the black ball (placing the black ball back on the table). There was a tiny divot on the table (which is common after a few days of intense playing), and the black ball wobbled ever so slightly from its spot, leaving O’Sullivan a much easier shot on the red.

“A nation desperate for integrity in public life has found it in Ronnie O’Sullivan and Snooker.”   

“An act of decency is being hailed as the greatest sporting gesture ever. Politicians, business folk, celebrities – please take note” said the Guardian’s  Simon Hattenstone . The incident occurred with Ronnie up 6-5 in games/frames and about to take the lead in the 12th frame, he potted the black but then, while the referee was attempting to put the black back in its position, which is a very delicate task with the white ball being so close to it, the black ball kept rocking off its position, giving O’Sullivan an easy shot at the next red ball. ‘O’Sullivan did the unthinkable’ said Hattenstone, he refused to pot the simple red. ‘Instead’  Hattestone continued: ‘he played a difficult defensive shot to the end of the table. The shot cost him the frame and, arguably, the match.’  See O’Sullivan asking the referee and then refusing to take the easy shot.

Played A Safety Shot Instead Of Potting The Easy Red

Ronnie wasn’t happy that he could now benefit from its position and easily pot the red. After some discussion, the referee, Desislava Bozhilova was eventually happy with the ball’s  position but Ronnie was unconvinced. So instead, Ronnie played a safety shot and went on to lose that frame and, eventually the match. Despite losing he really did show us a great sportsmanship moment that will go down in history. Reminicent of  famous golfer, Darren Clark’s refusal to shoot at the green, and instead hit the ball a few yards sidewise in 2006.

World’s Greatest Snooker Player  

It is interesting to note that Ronnie O’Sullivan was also playing for an even bigger prize – that of becoming the world’s greatest snooker player, ever. Both he and Steven Hendry have won the World Title 7 times each. If Ronnie went on to win this title he would be crowned the greatest ever. And with Steven retired it’s likely Ronnie would be the world’s greatest snooker player for a long time.

O’Sullivan Has Form

Like us all, Ronnie O’Sullivan has had great challenges in life including mental health issues, which he openly talks about and which, in turn, helps countless others.  He even had to call the Samaritans for help once in the middle of a tournament (more on Ronnie’s anxiety attacks). But despite all of this, Ronnie is a man of honour and kindness and humility as demonstrated when he hugged and chatted intimately with the defeated and distraught  Ding Junhui whom O’Sullivan had beaten 10-3 in the 2007 final of the Masters, Ding wept.

“The Best Of Humanity – Morality, Bravery, Sacrifice and Sheer Bloody Goodness” 

“This was a shot that both defined and transcended sport. It was everything we’d learned about sportsmanship at school (if we had decent teachers). But it was also about the best of humanity – morality, bravery, sacrifice and sheer bloody goodness.” Hattenstone

“O’Sullivan proved himself a contender for the world’s most sporting sports star.”
We’ll finish this post with these final words from this excellent article by the Guardian’s Simon Hattenstone:
“He may have lost,
but in doing so he showed
there are still standards in public life,
and some people do care about doing the right thing.
Not something we see often these days.”

….which begs this verse from a poem that was framed on my parent’s bedroom wall
and has now generated a 16-year-long conversation
as the discussion continues about
who wrote these magical words
…..about Ronnie O’Sullivan?

If you liked this, you might also like

Enemies on the Baize. Best of Friends Off It  –  Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ding Junhui

Thailand’s New Snooker Star, Sunny Akani, Thanks Ronnie O’Sullivan

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2022 (O’Sullivan’s Hug with Judd Trump) – 8^th best moment

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2017 (Sunny Akani, says ‘Thank You For The Game’ to his victor and heroe, Ronnie O’Sullivan)  No.1 moment

Smiling Helps You Win In Sport and in Life – that Sunny Akino and Ronnie O’Sullivan warmth again

Not that You Won or Lost but How You Played The Game   a 16 year old ongoing conversation

Leprechauns Challenged Darren Clarke

Thanks to Cian Smith who co-authored this post.

6 weeks of excitement, passion, frustration, shouting at TV screens and more!

Print off your ‘Everything You Need to Know About 6 Nations 2024’ pdf – see link below.

Nearly 2/3 of a million viewers have watched this little video of my eldest son, Aran and I, amidst the magic of Welsh rugby and its wonderful national anthem.

Sit back and enjoy.

Interestingly, the world’s best player, France’s No.9, Antoine Du Pont says in the new #netflix 6 Nations series #6NationsFullContact

“You let go of all the pressure once you hear the whistle.

It’s just joy.”

Very well said. This is one of the key components of sportsmanship – which players and fans often forget – enjoyment, joy and fun.

It’s a game we play. Some are lucky enough to get paid to play this game. And in fairness, they leave their families and go off into intense, painful,  training camps and give their heart and souls to the cause.

Good luck to one and all  May it be a great 6 Nations Championship.

Print and/or share your ‘Everything You Need to Know About 6 Nations 2024’ the 2024 Guinness 6 Nations Rugby pdf (above).

Ask your friends  if they can remember specific scores in last year’s battles. Then share this document with them!!

Click the link for loads more rugby stories that tug at your heart strings and/or listen to former Irish international wing forward and Lion, Stewart McKinney telling some shocking stories  for example …. the South African One-Eyed Giant…

You might also enjoy our Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2023 which BBC Radio London feature every year. NB this includes the Top Sportsmanship Moment 2023.

In memory of a great friend, rugby pal and a truly great man, Dr. Eddie O’Connor who died 6 Jan 2024.

You can listen to these 10 x 1 minute stories presented by myself, PR Smith and hosted by BBC Radio London sports show anchorman, Phil Parry.  And/or you can read them below (plus watch some videos relating to some of the stories):

in 10th Place….. Aussie Rule Football

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is a cult hero for Essendon who play in the Aussie Rules AFL.  If you watch the youtube feed of other Tipungwuti moments, you’ll see that he was an outrageously talented player in a very tough sport.  ‘Tippa’ also had a tough upbringing. He was raised by his grandmother.  She passed away when Tippa was just 10. He was parentless. His schoolteacher Jane McDonald adopted him and became his mother. His livewire energy and skills were loved by all. However, the 29 year old retired to deal with personal issues. His manager said “He was in a pretty low place not so long ago.”

So after 588 days in retirement he came back as a sub. As he ran onto the pitch, all 68,000 fans cheered (including opposition ‘Hawks’ fans) and then …. he scored a goal. The stadium went nuts.  Asked how he’ll celebrate, Tippa answered:  ‘I promised my mother if I got back into Essendon team,  I would buy her a caravan.’ He kept his word.

https://youtube.com/shorts/soOtkZ1Hvho?feature=shared

9th Place …..  A Singaporean Helps an Indonesian Runner

South East Asian Games 2023 (Athletics) way back in May.  This biennial SEA Ganes has participants from  11 countries.  The Indonesian, 10,000 M  runner, Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon tried to grab some water during the race but dropped the water. What happened next though, was spectacular. Singapore’s Soh Rui Yong, who was behind Simbolon in the race, did manage to collect a water cup, took a small mouthful, caught up with Simbolon and handed him his cup of water.   The commentator spotted it and said: ‘You cannot make that up. You cannot fake it either. Soh Rui Yong is a gentleman’.    Simbolon went on to win gold, with the ‘gentleman’ Soh Rui Yong, finishing second behind Simbolon and ending Singapore’s 40-year wait for SEA Games medal in men’s 10,000m.

8th Place A Beaten Serbean Tennis Player Applauds Young Spanish Victor

It’s July and It’s Wimbledon Tennis Championship – ‘The all England Lawn Tennis Championship (The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet club) . Love him, or hate him, it’s Novak Djokovic, again. After Djokovic was beaten, in the final, by Spain’s young tennis star, Carlos Alcarez,  Novak Djokovic gave his runner’s up speech which oozed class. “Not so good for me but good for Carlos . I have to start obviously with praise to Carlos and his team. Amazing. What a quality in the end of the match, when you had to serve it out you came up with some big serves and big plays. So you deserve it. Absolutely. Congratulations. Amazing. Amazing.”  Dignity in Defeat.

7th Place –  An 11 year Old Philipino Girl Wins 3 Gold Medals Without any Shoes

Athletics 11-year-old Philipino girl wins three golds with just bandages on her feet.  This story is about a school kid – and ordinary athletes  ….. this is a story about grit, resilience and determination, and freedom….  Rhea Bullos is an 11-year-old track athlete from the Philippines. She recently   competed in a running meet without any shoes, just bandages covering her ankles and feet.  Rhea beat the odds and won. 400 , 800 and 1,500 meter competitions. Three gold medals from the gritty and free runner, Rhea Bullos.

6th Place  English Footballer Consoles Nigerian Goal Keeper

Football: Women’s World Cup: was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand back in July (20 July to 20 Aug). England were the current European Champions (2022) and   pipped by a very good Spanish team. BUT earlier in the competition – at the initial knock-out stages there was a magical moment of sportsmanship …. Eng v Nigeria.

Nigeria were the better side -outplaying the 10 Player England. It was 0-0 after extra time. The penalty shoot out was clinched by England’s Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty  to take England through to the quarter-finals.  BUT she halted the usual celebrations and ran over to comfort the Nigerian goalkeeper, Kia-maka   Na-dozy Chiamaka Nnadozie who was lying on the ground in tears.

Kelly, along with Alex Greenwood, helped the distraught Nigerian keeper up off the ground.  Respect, friendship, humility and comraderie – all in one moment.

5th Place – Ukranian High Jumper Applauds Australian Opponent

2023 World Championships (Athletics) Budapest (September)
Ukrainian high jumper, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, took gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest in an emotional final event of the competition.  There was a heart-warming moment where she was seen lying on the ground clapping/cheering on her opponent, Australian Eleanor Patterson, who eventually finished in 2nd place. Great sportsmanship and respect from the Ukrainian gold medalist.

4th Place –  Danish Fans Sing ‘One Bobby Charlton’

Football: Manchester United and England legend, Bobby Charlton, passed away 21/10/23.  I remember watching England in 1966 on Black & White TV. Charlton was amazing. Then Law, Best & Charlton for MUFC.  And of course I remember 68/69 European Cup – in colour in cinemas.     Charlton was magnificent. Here’s a nice moment …

United’s first Champions League match since his passing was against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford. The Copenhagen fans showed their respect to Bobby Charlton by singing: “One Bobby Charlton, there’s only one Bobby Charlton, one Bobby Charrrrllllltonnnn”.    Great respect from opposition fans.

3rd Place – South Africans and Tongans Embrace and Pray Together Post Match

Rugby World Cup – way back in Oct (1^st)  After a very tough and intense last group B match between South Africa and Tonga.  Tonga scored 3 tries against the world champions but lost 49-18.  However, it was a really tough battle.

At the end of the game, the two sets of players came together arm in arm, knelt down and prayed together (whilst still on the pitch). It was a truly special moment showing great respect between the two teams.  [Note to readers: I  am available to discuss Ireland Beating SA in the group stages!!].

2nd Place – 83 Year Old Scottish Cricketer + 77 Year Old English Footballer

Cricket: Alex Steele, a Scottish cricketer proving that age is just a number, because at the age of 83 he still plays wicketkeeper for Forfarshire.  He plays with an oxygen cylinder on his back to counter the effects of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Steele, who played for Scotland in the 60’s and 70’s believes continuing to play cricket has prolonged his life.

“One of the most important things is your own attitude to the illness,” Alex believes. “I know of people who when something ill happens to them, give up the ghost and feel sorry for themselves. I haven’t felt that myself.  Resilience!   Link

We’ve got our own  77 year old, Tommy Taw  – plays for my vets (veterens) side, Kenchels (and he writes books about sport) and plays great football.  These guys have great determination, free spirit, resilience + Mental attitude – Mind over Matter!

1st Place – the Top Great Sportsmanship Moment 2023 comes from two rival Italian sword fencers

This is the Italian U23 Fencing (sword fencing) Championships Final – back in April.  For 10 years, Emilia Rossatti’s and Gaia Traditi were opponents facing each other in fencing competitions throughout Italy for a decade. Now they faced each other in the Italian u23 fencing final.

Traditi was winning 12-9  with just 17 seconds to go. She then suddenly fell awkwardly to the ground and twisted her ankle.  A medical attendant rushed to her, and the clock was stopped. For 5 minutes, the doctor attended her and eventually got her back up to complete the fight. Traditi was clearly in pain and without balance.

Emillia Rossatti now had the opportunity to attack and win the final.

She did the opposite.

Instead of stepping forward and attacking she stepped backwards and then forwards to kill the time. The buzzer went, the two embraced and Gaia Traditi was the winner. In many ways so was Emelia Rossatti as she won the respect and adminration from everyone watching that night.

An extraordinary demonstration of sportsmanship from Emilia Rossatti – proving honour, respect and friendship is a greater prize than winning medals.

I wish you the best for 2024.  If you post a comment we will reply to you within 72 hours. Please spread these stories and any of our free posters on to friends.

Thanks to Cian Smith,  to BBC Radio London Sports Show host, Phil Parry and everyone who has sent in sportsmanship stories that you spot throughout the year.

It is very much appreciated. Now finally, here’s an additional bonus clip of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti giving his original emotional retirement speech. You can see why he is loved by so many.

Don’t forget you can listen to these 10 x 1 minute stories being told by myself, PR Smith, and hosted by BBC Radio London sports show anchorman, Phil Parry.

If you liked this, you might also enjoy

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2022

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2021

Top 5 Sportsmanship Moments 2020 (Covid Year)

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2019

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2018

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2017

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2016

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2015

Top 10 Sportsmanship Moments 2014