Collapsed Runner Carried By Competitors Over Finish Line In Heartwarming Display Of Sportsmanship

Aug 08, 2022

Cross country is a difficult sport to compete in given the requirements that runners have to reach in order to place. Even in lower-stakes collegiate leagues, athletes have to be in peak physical shape and have incredible levels of endurance. Madeline Adams, a student at Boston College, was always the top runner on her school's cross country team. A top performer, Adams typically finished ahead of the pack. However, in 2016, despite her rigorous training, she finished the ACC Women's Cross Country Championship in the most unexpected way. 

While track and field is not the most popular of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I sports, colleges and universities across the United States still maintain strong programs for students interested in competitive running in college. 

Boston College, a private school in Massachusetts, oversees the education of roughly 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year, and is a well-known contender in a variety of Division I sports programs, namely cross country. 

While she was attending the school, Adams was considered not only one of the stronger runners but also the runner who was favored to win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women's Cross Country Championship. The competition brought together some of the nation's top runners and Adams was expected to shine at the race.

As always, Adams made sure to thoroughly prepare for her events. However splashy it sounded, she treated the championship no different from the rest of her competitions. She made sure to be well-rested for the event as if it were any other race.

Adams was able to rest relatively easy having already raced and practiced on that particular course before. She had studied every turn and bend in the route countless times, making her more than prepared for the ACC race.  

When the race day finally came, Adams tied her shoes tightly, ensuring that she wouldn't trip over her laces. Then just like she always did, Adams tightly secured her hair in a ponytail using two hair ties and a rubber band. Recalling her preparation, Adams said, "I was feeling great, I was ready to rumble." She continued, remembering her own enthusiasm, "I felt like this was my time to shine."

All her preparation paid off once the race began. Adams had a superb start. To no one's surprise, she initially ran so well that she was in first place for a majority of the race. Later in an interview with CBS News, Adams admitted that she "was running the race of (her) life." 

"I was doing incredibly well," the runner recalled. "I was coming up that hill (to the finish line), I started to feel really fatigued," she continued. "All of a sudden, I get this wave that comes over me and my legs just truly gave out from underneath me. I had no control. I really don't remember falling, I remember being on the ground and being like, 'Why am I on the ground? Get up.'"

In sight of the ACC Women's Cross Country Championship finish line, Boston College's top cross country athlete had completely collapsed. 

Adams shakily got up again, only to fall to the ground a second time. It was clear to all those watching, Adams couldn't run. With the favorite incapacitated, those that had been at her heels saw their chance. Runners streamed past Adams, reaching the finish line long before their fallen leader. It was obvious that Adams had lost her chance at not only winning the race but potentially even finishing it. 

Then, a fellow runner slowed as she reached the spot where Adams sat sprawled, still too shaky to stand. The competitor was Evie Tate from Clemson University, another talented young runner. While she wasn't in line for the winner's podium at that point, Tate could have continued down the track to place at least better than Adams and the runners still behind her. However, Tate bent down to Adams. With about 20 yards left until the finish line, Tate decided she was going to get Adams, somehow, over that line. 

The runner wrapped her arm around Adams. She then threw Adam's exhausted arm around her neck and began carrying Adams to the finish line. Seeing this act of compassion and sportsmanship, Louisville University's Rachel Pease ran over to help. Together, the two managed to heft Adams and carry her over the finish line. 

Recalling this moment of unexpected victory, Adams said, "The great part that comes out of this is there are two amazing girls that helped me, who are completely selfless and just amazing people with amazing character." While none of the three students won the championship, they ran a race that they'll never forget.  

Did you ever have a moment in sports that showcased such sportsmanship? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family and any cross country fans!