18.09.2020
09:08
Diego Méntrida was fighting for third place with James Teagle. His rival got confused on the way and he decided to wait for him to let him pass
September 18, 2020 Share on FacebookShare Share on TwitterTweet Share on WhatsAppShareThe noble gesture of marathoner Diego Méntrida
The Spanish Diego Méntrida was battling hand-to-hand with the British James Teagle for third place in the Santander Triathlon when an unexpected event occurred: his rival got confused on the way in the last turn and ended up against some containment fences. There, the concept of sports fair play came to the surface and gave way to one of the noblest scenes of recent times in the world of sports.
Mentrida walked those final meters surely debating in his mind what to do. He looked back and saw how his opponent on the third tier of the podium spread his arms in disappointment. And there he chose to stop an inch before the goal and let Teagle take the place that he was going to have in the middle of an ovation from those present.
Before crossing, the Briton recognized the actions of his colleague and shook his hand in gratitude. The greeting was repeated two more times after passing the final line. Francisco Javier Gomez Noya took over the competition, followed by Kevin Viñuela González . Teagle was on the official roster located in third place with a time of 1:47:48 , one second less than Méntrida in this Triathlon that consisted of a swimming stage, a cycling stage and the remaining race stage.
“It’s great to be racing again for the first time in a long time! I am very grateful to be able to get back on the starting line after such a long time. I was in Spain for a race when the country crashed in March so it is fitting that my first comeback race was in Spain as well. Thanks also to Diego Méntrida, who finished 4th. He showed incredible sportsmanship when I went the wrong way past the finish line . He stopped and allowed me to pass once I got back on the right track. Awesome and honest racing. Maybe one day I’ll be in the same position and I hope I can be as sporty as him! ”The British athlete wrote on his social networks.
Méntrida is 21 years old and studies physical therapy and sports science at the Rey Juan Carlos University. In his social networks he shared some compliments they made for his attitude, but he did not express himself about it .
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