Braima Suncar Dabo may not collect any medals at the World Athletics Championships but he will win the hearts of millions for an outstanding show of sportsmanship toward fellow competitor Jonathan Busby on Friday.
Guinea-Bissau athlete Dabo and Busby of Aruba are the only competitors from their respective nations competing in Doha and were well out off the pace in a 5,000 meters heat won by Selemon Barega of Ethiopia.
But the lasting image of the race will undoubtedly be the sight of Dabo aiding a struggling Busby in the closing 300 meters.
Sportsmanship personified.
— IAAF (@iaaforg) September 27, 2019
Braima Suncar Dabo helps Jonathan Busby in the men's 5000m heats.#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/nc3DuCqbmY
The intense Doha heat was noticeably causing issues for Busby as the race reached a conclusion and Dabo set aside his own efforts to help Busby – who was almost on his knees – over the line.
Dabo's time of 18 minutes and 10.87 seconds was the slowest in the field by almost four minutes, while Busby was officially disqualified – but their times counted for little in the context of their shared moment.