Runners who helped rival being considered for national sportsmanship award

Cross country runners Kailee Kiminski, a senior from Esko High School and Tierney Winter, a junior from Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton are being considered for a national honor -- the Spirit of Sport Award -- after aiding a fallen competitor during the Class 1A girls state meet last weekend.

About 100 yards from the finish line, the two young women stopped to assist Jackson County Central freshman Jessica Christoffer, who had fallen to the ground. The pair helped Christoffer up and had their arms around her as they all finished together.

"I sure appreciate the help I received from the two girls, who I did not know before the race," said Christoffer. "They were awesome to help me out."

The two were disqualified for the assistance, but have garnered praise and national media coverage since the event -- more attention than they likely would have received had either won the race.

Christoffer said she feels "bad that they were disqualified due to me."

Some criticized the national rule that prohibits helping another athlete. But both Kiminski and Winter said that they felt compelled to help.

The Spirit of Sport Award, given annually by the National Federation of State High School Associations, "recognizes athletes who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport and represent the core mission of education-based athletics," according to the Minnesota State High School League. Every state's high school athletics governing body can nominate students for the award.

"But I think it speaks highly of her that a different part of her kicked in, even in the face of that disappointment, to help out another athlete who is clearly struggling," he said. "What inspires people about sport … is this other part, sort of the camaraderie that comes along with competing side by side."

Eric Tvinnereim, athletic director at Jackson County Central High School, said he, too, was impressed.