SA Athlete Charne Swart added a special medal to her tally from the World University Games in Chengdu for the support and kindness she showed to a collapsed competitor!
Chengdu, China (10 August, 2023) — Amongst medals and big wins for Team South Africa at the FISU World University Games, one of our athletes added a special medal of heart to her tally. Charne Swart was awarded the Fair Play Award of the FISU Games for the soft support she showed to a collapsed competitor; a reminder that there are big hearts in the big leagues.
The Fair Play Award honours participants’ values like care and team spirit and is awarded to athletes who shine in heart.
During the Women’s 800 metres where Swart earned bronze, competitor athlete Soudi-Thasmy Moussa from Comoros had exhausted herself; powering through to the point of collapse as she finished the race.
Moussa fell down in visible pain and exhaustion, but in no time, Swart and Switzerland’s Veronica Vancardo attended to her, got her back on her feet and put their arms around her so she could walk on with support in front of the crowds.
The heartwarming act of camaraderie was captured on video and shared all around the world.
Of her decision to go back and help, Swart shared:
“Above all it was about understanding and respect,” she said. “Obviously she comes from a small country and it must be extremely intimidating to compete in front of such a large crowd, it takes a lot of you to run in a big event like that and she probably was not used to it, it means a lot for her.”
In fact, Comoros isn’t just any small country, it’s one of the smallest in the world.
‘Your act of kindness truly showed the spirit of the [World University Games], congratulations we are so proud of you,” shared University Sport South Africa.
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