Daniel Ebenyo makes final list for World Athletics International Fair Play Award

Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo is among three finalists for the 2023 World Athletics International Fair Play Award.

Ebenyo makes the list after he exhibited sportsmanship during the men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23.

Daniel Ebenyo’s moment

Ebenyo’s extraordinary act of sportsmanship took place during the closing stages of the men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23.

As he was in the lead, Ebenyo graciously saluted his teammate, Sebastian Sawe, as Sawe overtook him to claim the gold medal.

The other two finalists for the International Fair Play Award are Letesenbet Gidey from Ethiopia and Jessica Warner-Judd from Britain.

Letesenbet Gidey’s act of sportsmanship came after she secured a silver medal in the women’s 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

She went back to comfort Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan after Hassan’s dramatic fall on the home straight.

Warner-Judd, after finishing eighth in the 10,000m final at the same championships, waited and shook hands with the final-placed runner, who had completed the event some distance behind the rest of the field.

The International Fair Play Award finalists were determined through a unique combination of fan voting on social media and jury votes.

These finalists represent outstanding acts of fair play in the world of athletics, and each moment serves as a shining example of the principles of fair competition, respect, friendship, and sportsmanship.

The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), established 60 years ago, is responsible for promoting the principles of fair play in sports. These principles include fair competition, respect, friendship, team spirit, equality, and a commitment to sports without doping.

Fair pair award

The CIFP seeks to honour individuals who exemplify these values, both on and off the field, setting an example for others to follow.

This year’s recipient of the International Fair Play Award will be unveiled on World Athletics’ platforms leading up to the World Athletics Awards ceremony in Monaco on December 11.

The award represents a remarkable acknowledgement of the athletes’ commitment to the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play.

The jury responsible for selecting the finalists and eventual winner of the award includes distinguished figures in the world of athletics, such as Valerie Adams, Ximena Restrepo, Jon Ridgeon, David Rudisha, Sunil Sabharwal, Gianmarco Tamberi, and Nan Wang.