High-School Runner Displays True Sportsmanship

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We often hear about athletes helping their own team members in need. However, helping out someone from a rival team is almost unheard of. But that's exactly the kind of selfless act Andover High School cross-country runner Josh Ripley, is being applauded for.

The chain of events unfolded on September 16th at one of Minnesota's largest and most prestigious cross-country races - The Apple Jack Invitational. Josh, a junior at Andover High, was just starting to hit his pace in the first mile, when he heard somebody screaming as if in pain.

While other runners kept going, Josh decided to stop and investigate what was going on. To his horror, he found fellow competitor, Mark Paulauskas holding a profusely bleeding ankle. Concerned that the freshman from Lakeville South High School may have injured his Achilles heel, Josh did something that most athletes would have never even considered - Lifted the freshman and carried him for about half a mile to where his coach and parents were.

Turns out that Josh's selfless action may have been really timely - For while Mark who had been spiked by another runner's shoe, had not hurt his tendons, he had been cut so badly, that he needed 20 stitches!

And, it gets better - After making sure Mark was being taken care of, the junior continued on with his race and actually finished it. While he did not win by coming first, he was in everyone's opinion, the true winner of the event - An athlete that demonstrated what true sportsmanship is all about!

Resources: yahoosports.com,thisweeklive.com

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233 Comments
  • osc15
    osc15over 10 years
    now that`s good spirt
    • jor6
      jor6over 10 years
      That is really nice he cared about others.This article inspires people that they can care for others in any situation.
      • kiwi123
        kiwi123over 10 years
        that was so nice of him
        • s- zeusover 10 years
          that is really nice of him, what an inspiring article.
          • jor6
            jor6over 10 years
            That is super nice because he cared about other people instead of finishing his own race.
            • ell12
              ell12over 10 years
              This article was written to inspire people to help others. The intended audience were the High School students. The main idea of this article is to show others no matter what is going on it is always good to help.
              • syd3
                syd3over 10 years
                That is really cool that he cared about someone instead of winning the race. For Josh Ripley to do that is something you won't see many people do.
                • jos7
                  jos7over 10 years
                  WOW, it takes a lot of courage to do that sort of thing. When you love something very important to you for someone's needs.That means they are MOSAIC in all character traits. Josh Ripley is awesome!!
                  • awesome3000over 10 years
                    that's so nice!
                    • some random kidover 10 years
                      yet an act of kindness and selflessness from one great person.