Sportsmanship - the real deal

So, as I wrote last week, throwing "paper rock scissors" to decide the overall winner of a race is pretty lame. In fact, the more I think about it, while it would have been pretty funny to see, it is ultimately disrespectful of the other runners. Thus, it was so refreshing to read about an American high school coach and his cross country team conceding their 2nd place spot to the team behind them: Sportsmanship wins the day in Ashland.
 It seems that the 3rd place team had been so relegated to 3rd due to an (with all in attendance agreeing the decision was incorrect) officiating decision that one of their runners had, in the final sprint, caused his arm to accidentally impede the runner beside him [the kid was on the team that came, initially, 3rd]. Because of the contact, the runner was d.q.ed - and his team dropped to 3rd...the team who came 2nd, now heading along with the 1st place team to the State Championships, met and after much discussion, chose to give their spot to the team who rightly earned and deserved it...
that is fair play and honour at its highest. Glad to see that no one threw down paper/rock/scissors. It is never easy doing the right thing - in fact, it is often damned hard. 
Well played, sir, well played. 
On a sadder note, possibly the best runner in history, Haile Gebrselassie retired yesterday after dropping out at mile 17 in the NY Marathon. He has raced for 18 yrs, has 2 Olympic silver medals, 8 world titles and 27 - 27!!! - world records, as well as holding the current world record for the marathon - a friggin' unbelievable 2:03:59. Rest well, Haile - you have earned it.

peace out
Johnny Boy