For the love of Olympics: US, New Zealand runners help each other finish race after fall

TWO athletes have provided one of the most
inspirational moments of the Rio Olympics so far when they tripped over each
other in the women’s 5,000 metres – then helped one another to carry on.

American Abbey D’Agnostino and Nikki Hamblin of New
Zealand were 3,000m into the race today when D’Agnostino appeared to clip
Hamblin’s heel, sending both tumbling to the ground, Dailymail reported.

But instead of appearing frustrated that their
dreams of glory were apparently over, both women put on a display of the
Olympic spirit that will live on long after the Games are over.

D’Agnostino, 24, immediately got up to help her
rival – then, as it became clear that she had a right ankle injury, Hamblin
tried to help her continue.

Both athletes attempted to start chasing after the
pack that had left them. But D’Agostino could not keep going as her knee had
apparently twisted awkwardly in the fall.

She told Hamblin to go on as she collapsed on to
all fours on the track. But the camera then came back to D’Agostino and she was
back on her feet and running again.

Almaz Ayana won the heat in 15:04.35, and Hamblin,
who continued on as well, ran 16:43. D’Agostino, who has previously run 15:03
in the event, finished last in 17:10.02.