Reigning Olympic and European high jump champion Ruth Beitia of Spain was presented with the International Fair Play award from The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) at a ceremony in London on Sunday afternoon.
Beitia was presented with the accolade for her efforts to console Italy’s Alessia Trost, who missed out on a place in the high jump final. Trost has endured a tumultuous year due to the death of her mother and former coach.
'I would like to thank the IAAF and its President Sebastian Coe, as well as all the members who have chosen me for the Fair Play award. I feel very proud, very happy,' said Beitia, who was presented with the award by IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
'I have devoted 32 years to this sport and it has shown me that it creates values. On the track you just have to be the same person that you truly are. What I did here, I would do it over and over again. Anytime I can assist any of my teammates I am there for them.'