Ruth Beitia received Special Fair Play Award at the IAAF World Championships in London
Olympic high jump champion Ruth Beitia of Spain received a Special World Fair Play Award from the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), with the support of the IAAF, at a ceremony in London on Sunday, 13th of August.
Beitia was recognised for her efforts to console Alessia Trost of Italy after she failed to qualify for the final in the women's high jump at the IAAF World Championships London 2017. It was an emotional moment for the 24-year-old Trost, whose mother and former coach passed away in the last year.
The presentation took place at The London Stadium after the final session of the IAAF World Championships London 2017. The award was presented by IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
"I would like to thank the IAAF and its President Sebastian Coe, as well as all the members who have chosen me for the Fair Play award. I feel very proud, very happy," said Beitia, a three-time European champion who finished 12th today in her eighth appearance at an IAAF World Championships.
"I have devoted 32 years to this sport and it has shown me that it creates values. On the track, you just have to be the same person that you truly are. What I did here, I would do it over and over again. Anytime I can assist any of my team-mates I am there for them."
Established in 1963 by UNESCO and a number of international sports governing bodies, the CIFP promotes and honours memorable acts and significant careers that embody the spirit of fair play. The CIFP, in conjunction with the IAAF, has honoured track and field athletes at each edition of the IAAF World Championships since 2003. Past winners have included Jonathan Edwards, Mike Powell and Koji Murofushi.
