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Olympics: Runners hailed for helping one another after falling mid-race

Hamblin said it was a moment she’d never forget, saying “I’ve never met this girl before, and isn’t that just so wonderful, such an incredible woman”.

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When they first went down, it was D’Agostino (who easily could have blamed Hamblin for her fall and left her behind) who went back to help Hamblin, who was still on the ground and appeared to be in a great deal of pain. Hamblin finished at 16 minutes and 43 seconds; D’Agostino passed the line at 17 minutes and 10 seconds, over two minutes after the heat’s victor, Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana.

Even as USA athletes continue to top the medal count, this Olympic Games was likely to be remembered for tales of corruption, street crime and polluted waters. “We have to finish!”

As The Washington Post reported, Hamblin thought, “What’s hit me?” “That girl is the Olympic spirit right there”. I’ve never met her before, like I’ve never met this girl before, and isn’t that just so unbelievable? Such an awesome woman.

“There was about 2k to go, I was still feeling controlled, and was mentally preparing to focus and maintain contact with the lead group for the final grind”, she said in the statement.

D’Agostino fell in a chain-reaction collision with New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin during the qualifying round Tuesday, and both runners ended up sprawled on the track. Hamblin wanted her to run, but D’Agostino asked her to continue.

Per ESPN.com news services, an MRI revealed D’Agostino suffered a torn ACL, a meniscus tear and a strained MCL in her right knee because of the collision. Then, as D’Agostino struggled to put weight on her knee and stumbled, Hamblin returned the favor.

“I’m so impressed and inspiring that she did that”.

D’Agostino said the best part about her time in Brazil was the exposure to other cultures and it is the unification of cultures that can quash contention among nations. “I know that she’s young and she’s going to have so many more opportunities”, she said. After making it to the finish, D’Agostino was helped off of the track in a wheelchair.

D’Agostino’s coach Mark Coogan told USA TODAY Sports that his pupil did the opposite of what he taught her, “and I’m glad she did”.

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Despite coming last in the race, the pair were both given places in the 5,000m final on Friday, after their team officials successfully submitted protests.

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