When Honesty Triumphs Over Competition

In a world where winning is worshipped at any cost, stories that talk about true fighting spirit selflessness are a silver lining. This story is about a cross country race that took place in December, the year 2012. It is a story of magnificent sportsmanship which should remind us what it means to win, and why winning is not always everything.

Kenyan runner and Olympic bronze medalist Abel Mutahi was leading the race when a cross country event was taking place in Burlada, Navarre and he was already a few meters from the finish line. Sadly though, there were signs that confused him so he ended up stopping just a few meters away from the finish line. Meanwhile, Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was running behind him waiting for the right opportunity to win the race.

Rightfully he could have claimed the race as his own but Mutahi’s mistake was not a problem anaya was ready to take, he said, “I can't do this and go against the principles of my sport”. He then noticed what was happening and started yelling “Run! You are about to win” but Mutai was a Spanish speaker so ofcourse, he didn’t understand a word. Trying to fix things, Anaya reached out for Mutahi and physically pushed him over the finish line where he rightfully belonged after leading the race from literally the start.

When asked by a reporter why he chose not to claim the win for himself, Anaya responded:

“My goal in life is that one day we will have some sort of the community where we motivate each other to win. Such a victory for myself is worth nothing. What would a medal mean to me? What do you want my mother to think of this?”

This story is not just about a race; it’s a lesson in leadership, character, and the ethos of cooperation. Anaya could have easily walked away with a medal and accolades, but instead, he chose the harder path—one that prioritized fairness and the values of sportsmanship over personal gain.

we find similar lessons in India’s most beloved sport—Cricket. While individual brilliance often grabs the headlines, it’s the collective effort of the team that ultimately wins matches. A batsman’s century means little without partnerships at the crease or the efforts of the best baller can go to waste if the fielders do not support him.

In sports like cricket and in life, it is not only me, me and me, but also where we lift each other to perform, contribute and appreciate the win. Success is achieved through collective effort where every individual scores for the team so to speak. When you take the focus away from ME and put it on US, you create extraordinary moments on the field;

The Lesson for Us All

In our workplaces, communities, and personal lives, we are often faced with choices that test our integrity. Do we prioritize individual glory or the collective good? Do we try to pull others UP or DOWN? Whether we are leading teams, working on projects, or simply interacting with those around us, this ethos can drive incredible outcomes. Cooperation, empathy, and integrity are not merely words — they are the foundation of long term success. True victory is not in crossing the finish line first but in crossing it together, with honor intact.