OT - big deal or not? Sportmanship @ Ohio HS track meet

Credit where credit is due, we can blame Pryor on Pennsylvania.

I don't see a problem with it at all... I think it was a decent act and the kind of thing we usually hope to see from kids.  Why there is a controversy here is beyond me. 

Eh, stuff like this happens more often than people think.  Doesn't make it any more or less of a great display of sportsmanship, but whatever.

I guess it's make a post about any article that exists in the world time.  

This is really nice, I enjoy reading about this type of thing far more than what is normally out there. Usually you are reading about the athletes being big time jerks/criminals etc... This is what sportsmanship is about, I would be very proud of that young lady if I were her Dad.

That girl could teach a thing or two to the jackhole HS track and field coach who got an opposing pole vaulter disqualified in order to win a meet.  The pole vaulter's offense?  She was wearing a friendship bracelet.

CHEATERS!

It shouldn't be a big deal... but because people are so selfish these days, such an act of kindness and selflessness is rare , and thus a big deal.  Most adults could learn a thing or two from her.

I know I'm about to get blasted for this, but I don't see how this really relates to sportsmanship. I see this as a kind act, but not one I would define as "conduct of fairness, respect for ones opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing".

Also, I will say that I would not have done the same during one of my races. I can see calling for medical attention or even giving an encouraging word, but I don't think I would ever stop during a race, let alone push someone over the line to beat me.

Neg away if you must, I can see my post isn't really in line with the tenor of this thread.

I don't know why but this song popped into my head:

It was a great thing to do. Does it make Vogel a great person? No, personally, I can't say what she is like. Especially on the basis of one act. However, typically, actions like this are a good reflection on the character of the person doing them. While calling this "good sportsmanship" is a stretch, it certainly was a generous and heartwarming gesture.

Regarding the comments of some on what they would do, what anyone else does or feels led to do is really irrelevant. Really, if someone doesn't want to do something like this, they shouldn't. To do something like this that isn't heartfelt rarely works out.

It is interesting, if you read the article, to know that Vogel had already won the 1600, and thus had her "gold" medal or blue ribbon in hand. She was wiped out physically, and was content merely to finish the 2nd race. Having never finished last previously, it didn't bother her that this was the first time. It is a bit easier, in other words, to be magnaminous an generous when you have already achieved success. From Vogel's perspective, did it really matter if she finished 14th, 15th, or disqualified?

Regardless, I stand with those who enjoyed reading this story.

This is a cool story - maybe I'm not as much of a cynic as others here, but I'm happy to see anyone do something selfless regardless of the specific conditions and circumstances.

Great post...doubters and complainers will always exist. and who cares if she already got hers...that was classy. I would be so proud of she were my daughter. Quality character trumps quality athleticism and winning.

Reminds me of the story of the opposite team helping carry a girl after she hit a home run. If her team would have helped her it would have become only a single (I think). 

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/the_best_tale_of_sportsmanship.html

A very big deal indeed. In this media age where armies of people (formerly known as journalists) hunt breathlesly for every "gaffe" to display and increase traffic, it's nice to see a story of a selfless act for a change. Cheers to Ms. Vogel, and may her tribe increase. 

I graduated from Arlington High School (Arden McMath's, the girl who was helped, high school). Arlington is a small community (pop. ~1500), and everyone knows everyone. We don't usually get a lot of representation at the state meets and when a runner earns the trip, it's a big deal. Arden is a representation of the community of Arlington and Arlington high school. What Ms. Vogel didn't know, was that she was lifting the Arlington community across the finish line. 

It may not be a huge deal for some people, but for the community of Arlington, it's a huge story and Ms. Vogel certainly won't be forgotten.