What would my mom think of that?

Written by Tom Cooper

In December of 2012, Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Spain. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai (bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics). Close to the finish line, Iván saw Abel–certain to be the winner of the race–pull up about 10 meters before the finish line. He had become confused by the signage and stopped, thinking he had already completed the race.

Iván was right behind him and, realizing what was happening, started shouting at the Kenyan to continue running, but Abel didn’t understand Spanish. Realizing what was taking place, Iván approached Abel and gently pushed him forward to victory.

When a journalist asked Iván, “Why did you do that?” he replied, “My dream is that someday we can have a kind of community life where we push and help each other to win.” The journalist insisted, “But why did you let the Kenyan win?” Iván responded, “I didn’t let him win; he was going to win. The race was his.” The journalist again said, “But you could have won!” Iván looked at him and replied, “But what would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honour in that medal? What would my mother think of that?” The world has made Iván a hero, pointing to him as an icon of sportsmanship.

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, one of the founders of the early church, said:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Whether in life or in sports, a “good fight” is fought to the very best of our ability, not only without cheating, but even with honour. Iván stayed in a gruelling international race, doing his best to the end, though he ran second most of the way. And he chose integrity over victory, keeping faith with his principles.

We all have choices. Will we keep the faith or instead choose a course of dishonesty or selfishness, a shortcut for ourselves or our loved ones? Will we make the easy choice when we know a harder one would be the correct course of action?

What will our families, friends, neighbours, and work associates say when they reflect on our decisions in life? Will they say that we pushed ahead for ourselves or that we built our communities by helping others to win?

Will they say that we fought a good fight? That we kept faith? That we finished the race with honour?

Blessings,

Tom