Topsfield's Abbey D’Agostino Receives Olympic Fair Play Award For Helping New Zealand Runner After Fall

It seems it doesn't take placing on the medal stand to capture the Olympic spirit.

Originally from the North Shore town of Topsfield, U.S. runner Abbey D’Agostino received the Olympic Fair Play award on Saturday from the International Fair Play Committee.

D’Agostino was knocked down with about 2,000 meters to go in the women's 5000m event after New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin stumbled ahead of her. Instead of jumping up and immediately finishing the race, D’Agostino helped Hamblin get to her feet and encouraged her to finish.

The two got up and continued the race, but D’Agostino's pace was slowed from injuring her ankle in the fall. Hamblin offered D’Agostino words of encouragement before the two runners embraced at the end of the race. NBC News reports D’Agostino tore ligaments in her knee from the incident.

The International Fair Play Committee also gave the award to Hamblin, saying, "The D’Agostino and Hamblin story is one of humanity and sacrifice which has already captured the hearts of people across the globe."