InfoSearched
The way sports should always be played.
20 BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS OF RESPECT IN SPORTS.
Examples of athletes showing respect and sportsmanship towards their competitors.
Sports have always been an arena that showcases strength, agility and skill. However, it also serves as a platform to exhibit the values of sportsmanship and respect. Athletes are often glorified for their physical abilities, but it’s the moments of respect between competitors that remind us of the fundamental human decency at the heart of any sport. Here are 20 beautiful moments of respect in sports that have captivated us over the years.
1. Mary Decker consoles Zola Budd: At the 1984 Olympics, Mary Decker collided with South African runner Zola Budd, and they both fell. While Decker was unable to finish the race, she made a point to comfort Budd, reminding us all that sportsmanship transcends competition.
2. Lionel Messi comforting a distraught young fan: In 2013, Lionel Messi made a young fan’s day by hugging and comforting him after his team’s game.
3. The Williams sisters’ post-game hug: The Williams sisters have exhibited their respect for one another on many occasions, but one of the most memorable moments was when they hugged each other at the net after Serena defeated Venus at the 2002 French Open.
4. Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez praying together: After their fourth fight, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, two great rivals, came together to pray in the center of the ring.
5. Yuvraj Singh applauding Shahid Afridi: At the 2007 World Twenty20, Indian cricket player Yuvraj Singh congratulated his Pakistani counterpart, Shahid Afridi, on hitting a huge six.
6. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen standing up for Isiah Thomas: When Isiah Thomas was left off the 1992 Dream Team, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen put their own politics aside and stood up for him, inviting Thomas to a photo shoot.
7. Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert’s post-match hugs: These tennis legends have competed against each other countless times, but they always hugged at the net after a good match.
8. Novak Djokovic consoling Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: After a close match at the 2012 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic took the time to console Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, hugging him and speaking words of encouragement.
9. Luis Suarez giving up his penalty: In 2016, Luis Suarez gave up a penalty kick to allow his teammate Lionel Messi to score his 300th goal for Barcelona.
10. Derek Jeter’s final game tip of the hat: In his final game at Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter tipped his hat to the crowd, thanking them for their support over the years.
11. Abby Wambach consoles Azzurra Iezzi: At the 2010 U-20 World Cup, Abby Wambach comforted her Italian counterpart Azzurra Iezzi after she missed a crucial penalty kick.
12. Simone Biles and Aly Raisman’s team support: At the 2016 Olympic Games, Simone Biles stood in support of Aly Raisman as she performed her floor routine.
13. Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe’s rivalry and reconciliation: While they were famously heated rivals in the 1980s, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe eventually reconciled, and now share a deep respect for each other.
14. Cristiano Ronaldo helping Andrés Iniesta to his feet: During a Real Madrid v Barcelona game in 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo helped up Iniesta after a hard tackle.
15. Dikembe Mutombo boxing out and guiding Shaquille O’Neal: During one game, Dikembe Mutombo positioned himself perfectly in front of Shaquille O’Neal, boxing him out while helping him avoid a bad landing.
16. LeBron James giving up his shoes: During an NBA game in 2014, LeBron James gave his shoes to a fan sitting courtside, making her day.
17. Michael Phelps giving Chad le Clos a handshake: After the 200m butterfly at the 2016 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps extended his hand to Chad le Clos, ending their infamous rivalry.
18. Daniel Sturridge’s random act of kindness: In 2013, Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge came across a young fan on the street and gave him his jersey, surprising and delighting him.
19. Roger Federer and Andy Murray sharing a laugh: During an exhibition match, Andy Murray and Roger Federer shared a light-hearted moment, cracking each other up.
20. Sydney Leroux and Miranda Nild’s friendly rivalry: These professional soccer players share a unique rivalry, exchanging thoughtful gifts before their games against each other.
In conclusion, sports have the power to inspire and uplift us, and the moments of respect and sportsmanship shared between competitors are as important and memorable as any athletic achievement. These 20 beautiful moments of respect in sports remind us of the value of human decency and remind us that there is always space for empathy, kindness and camaraderie even in the most competitive environments.
How Releasing 1,500,000 Balloons Went Horribly Wrong
Social Media Dangers Exposed by Mom Posing as 11-Year-Old
Arizona man, 110 years-old, credits long life and health to 5 foods
The Untold Truth Of Michael Jordan’s Kids
Cardi B Meets Cardi E