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Teen runner helps carry competitor to the finish

Posted at 7:23 AM, Jun 06, 2012
and last updated 2012-06-06 07:24:06-04

COLUMBUS, OH (WTVR) - Some outstanding sportsmanship displayed at the Ohio state track meet last Saturday.

Meghan Vogel, a junior at West Liberty-Salem High School in Ohio, won the state’s Division III 1,600 meter race, but she gained more attention for a race in which she finished last.

Vogel was running the 3,200 meter race and was only about 50 meters from the finish line when she saw Arden McMath, a sophomore from Arlington High School, collapse. Instead of passing her, Vogel stopped to carry her competitor across the finish line.

Race rules say Vogel should have been automatically disqualified for helping another runner, but the meet management took no action. They gave McMath 14th place and a finishing time of 12:29.90, and Vogel 15th in 12:30.24. Vogel made sure McMath crossed the finish line first because she had been ahead of her.

“Helping her across the finish line was a lot more satisfying than winning the state championship,” Vogel said.

Meghan went on to say she did only what any other competitor would have done for her in the same situation. McMatch said she was surprised but appreciative when Vogel lent her a helping hand.