Just to put this into perspective, the 3000m race is 7.5 laps, just shy of 2 miles. In my opinion, it is one of the toughest races that any runner can run. Jenks finished over a lap ahead of the second runner, with an amazing time of 9:51. And then, after, she encouraged the other runners. After I finished the race I felt horrible and there was no way that I had the energy or breath to cheer on anyone else.
Jenks' actions show true sportsmanship and she should be a role model to everyone. I don't know many people that would have done what she did. A lot of times when people excel at something, they become cocky and sometimes rude. Not Jenks. She is so kind-hearted and a good sport. I can't say that I would be the same if I was as gifted as she is.
However Jenks isn't the only sportsmanship I witnessed at Saturday's meet. I had been racing a girl, also from Linn Mar, the entire race. We had gone back and forth, sometimes her in front of me, sometimes me in front of her. As we approached the last 200m, she was in front of me, but I was determined to beat her. So I did, in the last 100m I passed her and beat her. As we lined up after the race in the order that we had finished, she congratulated me and complimented my "strong finish". You don't often find people like this at competitions. Nowadays, everyone is all men for themselves, and they get upset when things don't go their way. This girl's compliments made my day and restored my faith in people of the world.
So just remember, the next time you finish a race, tell the person in front of you or behind you "good race" or "good job" and cheer others on. Sports can be crazy and intense, but always remember to be kind to your opponents.
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