Kai Verbij still won prizes after his disappointing 1,000 meters during the Olympic Games in Beijing this year. The skater received a sportsmanship award from the International Olympic Committee for his gesture that best reflected the values of friendship, acceptance and inspiration.
Because Verbij had started his race poorly, he let his opponent Laurent Dubreuil cross the line. With that, Verbij’s own chances of a medal disappeared, but Debreuil eventually took the silver behind Thomas Krol.
Sportsmanship over success
“You always wonder if you’re making the right decision in a split second, but I’m also very proud that people all over the world voted for this award and appreciate my decision,” said Verbij, who is himself thirtieth. was made during the race. “I think sportsmanship should take precedence over personal success and that’s even more important at the Games, where there are many individual athletes.”
Verbij received an amount of 50,000 euros for the most inspiring moment of the Games, to be donated to a good cause. He chose Unicef Netherlands.
Watch Kai Verbij’s reaction after his Olympic ride here:
