Even Though This High School Runner Didn’t Get First Place, We Definitely Think That She Is The Winner Of The Race!
At a recent cross-country championship meet in Glyndon, Minnesota, one incredible act of compassion proved that, at the end of the day, the scoreboard is not all that important.
Fargo South runner Danielle LeNoue was within 2 miles of the finish line at the EDC Cross Country Championship when her left knee buckled, an injury to her patella tendon. LeNoue, sobbing from the pain, began walking to the finish line. However, she was unable to go any further.
That’s when senior Melanie Bailey of Devils Lake High School, ran up beside her telling her to hop on her back. Bailey, with LeNoue clinging to her back, finished the race eight and half minutes behind first place.
In the final race of her high school career, Bailey had this to say about her decision to help out; “Honestly, I loved the way I ended it. It was a great way to end my cross country season.”
Competition gave way to compassion and, in the end, Bailey and her new friend walked away the true winners on that day.
Source: Hunter Stensrud via Inspire More
Alissa Fairchild > Twitter
