Since New Zealand's Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D’Agostino's story after their on-track collision during the 5000m heats, touched hearts around the world, the two athletes have now been awarded a special Olympic medal for sportsmanship.
They have been awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal, which has only been awarded previously 17 times in Olympic history to athletes who are deemed to have demonstrated the Olympic spirit.
An International Olympic Committee statement read: “The D’Agostino and Hamblin story is one of humanity and sacrifice which has already captured the hearts of people across the globe.”
Hamblin said: “Winning this award is overwhelming. 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.”
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