"Even After 'Giving Up the Bronze Medal,' Praise Flows... 'A Natural Concession Taught by Parents'"

Spanish Triathlon Athlete Diego Mentrida
Slowed Down at Finish Line When Opponent Left Course
"Should Be Seen as a Normal Act That Must Be Done"

British triathlon athlete James Tiaglo offering a handshake to Spanish athlete Diego Mentrida. / Photo by El Mundo YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Praise is pouring in for a Spanish triathlon athlete who slowed down and conceded victory after a competitor ahead of him mistakenly left the course just before the finish line.

According to the British broadcaster 'BBC' on the 20th (local time), Spanish triathlete Diego Mentrida conceded victory to a competitor who took the wrong course at the Santander event on the 13th.

At that time, British athlete James Tiaghl made a mistake by leaving the course he was running on just before the finish line. Mentrida, who was following behind, noticed Tiaghl's mistake, immediately slowed down, and waited for Tiaghl in front of the finish line.

Tiaghl shook hands with Mentrida as a sign of gratitude before crossing the finish line and settled in third place. Mentrida finished fourth and did not win a medal.

As this fact became known, Spanish netizens showered praise on Mentrida. In an interview with the local Spanish media 'El Mundo,' Mentrida explained the reason for conceding third place, saying, "I had no time to think about the result; I just naturally had to do it," and added, "(Tiaghl) deserves to receive the bronze medal."

Also, on the 19th, Mentrida wrote on his Instagram, "I didn't expect to receive so much attention," and stated, "It was something my parents and our club taught me since I was young, so I thought it was natural. In my opinion, this kind of thing should be accepted as a normal act that must be done."

Meanwhile, the organizing committee of the event awarded Mentrida an 'Honorary Third Place' award, praising him for showing 'sportsmanship' by not taking advantage of his opponent's mistake. Mentrida received a prize of 300 euros (about 400,000 KRW), the same amount as the bronze medal prize money.