High School Runner Carries Fallen Competitor Across the Finish Line
West Liberty Salem high school runner Meghan Vogel wasn’t going to win the Ohio D-III 3,200-meter state finals, which was held last weekend. In fact, the junior, who had already won the 1,600 meter, was in last place with about 20 feet to go.
That’s when she noticed that one of her competitors, sophomore Arden McMath, had collapsed and fallen in front of her. Rules state that anyone who aids another runner will be disqualified. But Vogel decided this wasn’t the time to follow the rules.
So she helped McMath up, and supported her as she attempted to keep running, despite her injury. The crowd roared as the two crossed the finish line, with Vogel making sure McMath came in before her since McMath had been ahead when she fell down.
In the end, the race officials decided to take no action against Vogel and McMath for their illegal move, and they were awarded 14th and 15th place.
“Helping her across the finish line was a lot more satisfying than winning the state championship,” Vogel, who had done both during the meet, said after the race. See video of this touching act of sportsmanship below.