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Sports reach their pinnacle when played with fairness and mutual respect for opponents. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty ImagesAfter examining some of the most notorious displays of poor sportsmanship in sports history, we now shift our focus to the most commendable acts of fair play ever witnessed. While these moments may lack the shock value or humor of unsportsmanlike conduct, they shine brightly as examples of professional athletes honoring their rivals and the spirit of the game. True sportsmanship thrives when fairness and respect prevail, though, as we’ve seen, this ideal isn’t always achieved.
10. Extending a Helping Hand to the Goalie
While the Barclay’s Premier League isn’t always known for showcasing sportsmanship, the Saudi Premier League stole the spotlight for all the right reasons in 2013 during a match between Al-Nahdha and Al-Ittihad. In a touching moment, a goalkeeper struggled with untied shoelaces while wearing gloves, and instead of exploiting the situation, an opposing player stepped in to assist. The referee nearly disrupted the gesture by penalizing the goalkeeper for holding the ball too long, but sportsmanship triumphed when the opposing team protested and deliberately kicked the ball out of play to return possession. This act of integrity stands as a shining example of fair play, something rarely seen in the Premier League.
9. Canadian Ski Coach Comes to Russian Skier's Aid
Despite his athletes being eliminated earlier in the competition, Canadian cross-country ski coach Justin Wadsworth demonstrated extraordinary sportsmanship during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. When Russian skier Anton Gafarov, a medal hopeful, crashed and broke his ski, Wadsworth, uninvolved in the semi-final, rushed onto the track with a spare ski to help Gafarov finish the race in front of his home crowd. Wadsworth, a three-time Olympian, later explained that he wanted Gafarov to cross the finish line with dignity. Though no words were exchanged, their mutual respect and the spirit of sportsmanship shone brightly that day.
8. Paolo Di Canio Stops to Check on Everton Goalkeeper
Paolo Di Canio, a Premier League legend, isn’t typically associated with sportsmanship, given his fiery temperament and controversial actions, such as pushing a referee. However, during a 2000 match against Everton, Di Canio displayed remarkable fair play. When Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard collapsed with a leg injury, Di Canio, instead of scoring into an open net, caught the ball to halt play and ensure Gerrard received attention. This selfless act earned him applause from the opposition, a rare moment of recognition for the Italian striker.
7. Runner Passes Up Opportunity to Beat Olympic Medalist
Most people would seize the chance to finish ahead of an Olympic medalist, relishing the story for years to come. In a 2012 race, Spanish runner Ivan Fernandez Anaya faced this very scenario when Kenya’s Abel Mutai, an Olympic bronze medalist, mistakenly slowed near the finish line, believing he had already won. Rather than exploiting the error to claim victory, Anaya guided Mutai across the line, securing second place. Anaya later explained that Mutai’s lead was insurmountable without the mistake, and he felt he didn’t deserve the win. While many praised his integrity, his coach viewed it as a missed opportunity for glory.
6. John Landy Helps His Opponent and Still Wins
In 1956, Australian runner John Landy, already famous for breaking the four-minute mile barrier, made headlines again during the Australian National Championships. During the race, 19-year-old Ron Clarke tripped and fell, causing Landy to leap over him and accidentally scrape his arm. Instead of continuing, Landy stopped to help Clarke to his feet, then resumed the race. Remarkably, he closed the gap and won, though many believe he could have set a world record had he not paused. A statue titled “sportsmanship” now commemorates this iconic moment.
5. Freddy Flintoff Consoles Brett Lee Despite Narrowest Ashes Victory Ever
Cricket enthusiasts are well aware of the intense rivalry between England and Australia, particularly during The Ashes, one of the most fiercely contested series in sports history. While insults and mind games are common, moments of sportsmanship occasionally shine through. One such moment occurred during the thrilling 2005 series, where England reclaimed the urn for the first time since 1987. In the second match at Edgbaston, Australia nearly clinched victory, falling just three runs short due to a spectacular catch by England. Devastated Australian batsman Brett Lee was comforted by England’s Freddie Flintoff, who chose empathy over celebration. Flintoff later expressed his respect for Lee, acknowledging he didn’t deserve the loss.
4. Friendly Advice at the 1936 Olympic Games
The Olympics often showcase extraordinary sportsmanship, adding to the event’s global appeal. A standout example took place at the 1936 Berlin Olympics during the long jump event. German athlete Luz Long set an Olympic record to qualify for the finals, while American Jesse Owens faced disqualification after fouling his first two attempts. Long advised Owens to adjust his take-off point to avoid another foul, enabling Owens to advance and ultimately win gold with a world-record jump. This act of camaraderie occurred in front of Adolf Hitler, and Owens maintained a lifelong friendship with Long’s family after Long’s death in WWII.
3. An Agreement Between Opposing Teams
In professional sports, winning often overshadows sportsmanship, but youth sports sometimes tell a different story. During a 2009 freshman football game between Benton and Maryville, Maryville led 46-0 with just 10 seconds remaining. Benton’s coach, Dan McCamy, called a timeout to send in Matt Ziesel, a 15-year-old player with Down syndrome who had never played in a game. McCamy approached the opposing coach, requesting they allow Ziesel to score a touchdown. Despite the chance to preserve a shutout, Maryville agreed, and Ziesel scored his first touchdown in a heartwarming display of sportsmanship. McCamy later reflected on the profound impact this moment had on Ziesel and everyone involved.
2. Roddick Corrects the Call on Match Point
Andy Roddick, known for his fiery competitiveness, displayed exceptional sportsmanship during the 2005 Rome Masters. In his third-round match against Fernando Verdasco, Roddick was on match point when a linesman called Verdasco’s serve out, seemingly handing Roddick the win. However, Roddick pointed to the ball mark on the clay, proving the serve was in, and the call was reversed. Verdasco went on to win the match, eliminating Roddick from the tournament. Verdasco later praised Roddick’s integrity, a rare act of fairness that many players might have overlooked to secure victory. Despite the loss, Roddick’s career continued to flourish, cementing his legacy as a true sportsman.
1. Jack Nicklaus at the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup, a fiercely contested golf competition between Europe and the United States, witnessed an unforgettable act of sportsmanship in 1969, courtesy of Jack Nicklaus. In his debut Ryder Cup, Nicklaus faced Tony Jacklin in the final pairing, with the overall score tied. On the 18th hole, Jacklin was two feet from the cup, while Nicklaus was four feet away. After sinking his birdie putt, Nicklaus conceded Jacklin’s short putt, ensuring a tie and the first-ever shared Ryder Cup. In front of 8,000 spectators, Nicklaus shook Jacklin’s hand, later stating, “I don’t think you would have missed that Tony, but I didn’t want to give you the chance.” This gesture remains one of the most celebrated moments in golf history.
