I crossed off a bucket list item when I went with my family to the US Open tennis tournament in New York City. My favorite match was between Carla Suarez Navarro (my new hero) and Simona Halep (not a fan.) Suarez Navarro lost to Halep, who was behaving like a prima dona. Suarez Navarro was tenacious and gracious in defeat, while Halep behaved like a child, throwing her racquet when she lost a point. We rooted for Suarez Navarro because of her sportsmanship. I would love to meet her in person, because she personifies what sports should be about.
An amazing display of sportsmanship came during the 5000 m run at the Rio Olympics. During the race, Abbey D’Agostino (USA) and Nikki Hamblin (NZL) collided and fell. Hamblin got up, and encouraged D’Agostino to finish the race. Both runners supported each other (literally!) through out the race and were awarded spots in the final. D’Agostino was unable to participate in the final due to a torn ACL sustained as she fell. Both women received an Olympic Fair Play award for exemplary sportsmanship. I teared up watching the video. Watch and be uplifted!