Watch: Runner carries hurt rival to finish line

(CBS News) Meghan Vogel was quite emotional after her surprising win in the 1,600 meters finals of the Division III state track meet at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Stadium.

But the junior from West Liberty-Salem High School saved her most inspiring performance for when she finished in last place in another event.

As the Springfield News-Sun reported, Vogel was competing in the 3,200-meters final when cramps knocked rival Arden McMath to the ground just 20 feet from the finish line. Instead of running by her, Vogel stopped and helped the Arlington High School sophomore to her feet, then practically carried her to the finish. Out of 15 racers, McMath was given 14th place and Vogel 15th place.

As you can see in the video, the crowd gave a rousing ovation to the athletes as they crossed the finish line together.

"Helping her across the finish line was a lot more satisfying than winning the state championship," Vogel told the News-Sun.

"What a selfless act," Arlington coach Paul Hunter told the newspaper. "She could have just gone around Arden. But she chose to help. I've never seen that at a state meet. That's real sportsmanship."

[pwgrant]

I watched in amazement my child's entire cross country team cheer on and run with the nearly obese last place finisher. I was almost moved to tears. Much to my amazement, when they finished every race they all congregated near the finish line to cheer on the last of the runners. All of them. Investigating, it had become a tradition of the school team for a number of years. I could not have been more proud!!

[WestOhioSportsNetwork]

More video can be found at: http://video.wosn.tv/media/runner-helps-runner-finish

[batlis]

Saw this in person, front row. Been coaching 20 years and this is the most amazing track moment I've ever witnessed. Entire stands on their feet and not a dry eye around me. Good things will come to this young lady.

[lkrupp]

Well it looks there's hope for this country after all.

[thatchmo62]

Her parents raised her right. Good for her.

[pammmmmm]

Completely selfless. I don't think I would do that.