In terms of displays of pure sportsmanship, you’re gonna be 100% hard-pressed to find better than that shown between Alistair Brownlee and his brother Jonny during the now-widely reported and highly dramatic finish to the final World Triathlon race of the season in Mexico overnight.
Jonny Brownlee is out of hospital and looking well in BBC interview with brother Alistair following dramatic triathlon… pic.twitter.com/62mf3RhcCY
— BBC Look North (Yks) (@BBCLookNorth) September 19, 2016
Alistair, quite cheekily, also took a little dig at his brother for racing with poor tactics. But quickly noted that he himself had been in that position on multiple occasions before.
“First I was just thinking, ‘what an idiot’. He could have won this race so easily and he’s been tactically so ridiculous. It serves him right really.”
“I didn’t really think too much about what I did. I’ve been in that position before, thought I’d finished second – and then woke up up thinking why people hadn’t helped me out.“I didn’t really think too much about what I did next. I’ve been in that position before in London maybe six years ago. I remember being in second trying to win the race and then waking up and being told I’d come 10th. I was like: ‘why didn’t all those people who came past me help me out?’.”
“So I just didn’t give it a second thought, really. I thought I just had to help him get to the finish line.”
Jonny, on the other hand, spoke of his absolute gratitude for his brother’s actions.
“Alistair had the chance to win but threw that away to help me out. I’ll be thankful for the rest of my life. Obviously it takes a very strong and good person to do that.”
“Sometimes in sport we talk about winning being the most important thing in the world – and a lot of times it is – but maybe helping a brother out was more important.”
And as for how the incident will be remembered, Jonny stated that he hopes to be remembered for his Olympic efforts (Alistair and Jonny scored the Gold & Silver double in Rio) rather than for anything else.
“I don’t want to be remembered as the guy who looked like a wobbly horse down the finishing line, but hopefully what I’ve done in the Olympics and other good races.”
SPORT, you guys. Sometimes it’s the absolute greatest thing.
