When we think of preparing for a race, we think of running daily, sticking to a strict diet, getting plenty of rest and basically doing everything possible to make sure we are prepared.

Runners put a lot of time and effort into preparing for a race, and obviously, the goal is to win. The goal is not to come in second place, especially when you very well could have one.

One runner recently took good sportsmanship to a whole new level. He actually stopped right before the finish line to let his competitor win. It sounds unthinkable, but it actually happened, and there’s the video to prove it.

During the 2020 Santander Triathlon in Barcelona, Spain, a British athlete named James Teagle was in the lead. Close behind him was a Spanish triathlete named Diego Méntrida.

As the two athletes approached the finish line, there was a slight turn in the running path. Teagle started to run the wrong direction and realized it when the barricades were in his way. This slight misstep slowed him down just enough to cause Méntrida to take the lead. 

Méntrida kept running, but he stopped right before crossing the finish line. He simply stood there and waited for Teagle to catch up with him and even pass him. The two athletes shook hands. 

Talk about being a good loser! When asked about the unorthodox move, Teagle explained that Méntrida had been in front of him during the entire race and that it was the fair thing to do.

Watch this incredible moment in the video below.

When Spanish triathlete Diego Méntriga noticed that British triathlete James Teagle went the wrong way before finish line of Santander Triathlon,Mentriga waited for him so he could take what he says is his deserved 3rd place.“He was in front of me the whole time.He deserved it.” pic.twitter.com/5Mo52QZ3rJ

— GoodNewsCorrespondent (@GoodNewsCorres1) September 19, 2020

In the comments on Twitter, there are many people who think that Méntrida should not have stopped and let Teagle win.

He should not have stopped. Conditions for athletes are and should remain same, those include level of mental preparation and focus. Now, that guy in 1st place won having access to something not available to others: ability to make a dumb mistake without any consequence.

— Alessandro BAM (@AlessandroBAM) September 20, 2020

Sorry guys. I’ve been on both sides of this and it’s the athletes job to know the course. I would have never let him let me win.

— Nadia (@val5387) September 19, 2020

Yet, many other people think that “letting him win” was a great move.

Reading all the replies here saying that he shouldn’t have stopped and that it was “stupid” just shows the type of world we live in. There are so many out there with that “Me First” attitude, they don’t understand that even though it’s a competition, you can still show kindness.

— Aaron Winder (@Strawmelade) September 20, 2020

“Should’ve known the course” I’m guessing the people saying this have no idea of the mental and physical exhaustion by the end of a race. This was a moment of true sportsmanship by Diego Méntriga. Shook hands before either one of them crossed the finish line! 💪🏻❤️

— Katie (@LuxMeaMundiAM) September 20, 2020

Do you think Méntrida did the right think by letting Teagle win?