New Zealand middle distance runner Nikki Hamblin has been awarded the International Fair Play Committee Award for Rio 2016 today.
Nominated for her demonstration of the Olympic Spirit, Hamblin alongside fellow competitor Abbey d’Agostino were awarded the trophy at a ceremony at the Olympic Club in Rio. Attended by IOC and Athletes’ Commission members including New Zealander Barbara Kendall as well as fellow team mates and support staff, Hamblin said the honour was overwhelming.
‘When we got up that morning, neither of us knew what the day would hold,’ she said, referring to the moment in the 5,000m semi-final on 16th August that saw both competitors fall and go on to help each other up, leading to their nomination for the award.
‘Winning this award is overwhelming,’ said Hamblin. ‘I am proud that what we did and truly believe that you can be both a competitor and kind and responsive at the same time. Everyone comes here to compete but there are a lot of people who don’t achieve that and the journey is really important too. That was one of those journeys and it has gone on to be one of the most important moments of my life.’
‘I hope Abbey’s recovery is going well and I am really looking forward to seeing her again,’ she said of d’Agostino who had returned to the US for medical treatment following the injuries sustained in the fall. Hamblin went on to compete in the finals of the 5,000m last night at the Olympic Stadium in Rio, finishing 17th in a time of 16:14:24.
Hamblin was awarded the Trophy by IOC Member Nawal al Moutawakel who said recognising the pair helped uphold the ideas of sport and spread the values of the Olympic Movement.
The Fair Play Award honours all that is right in sport. It celebrates the finest in human spirit. It is an unselfish act exemplified by athletes, coaches, fans and followers.
The awards are run by the International Fair Play Committee. A jury composed of representatives of CIFP, IOC, athletes and the media made the final decision during the Rio Games culminating in the ceremony held at The Olympic Club.