A Story of Values & Character
During a race, Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was just a few meters from the finish line when he got confused by the signs and stopped, thinking he had already crossed it. Right behind him was Spanish runner Iván Fernández. Realizing what had happened, Fernández began shouting for Mutai to keep going, but Mutai didn’t understand Spanish.
Instead of taking advantage, Fernández guided and pushed Mutai forward so he could finish first.
After the race, a reporter asked Iván, “Why did you do this?”
He replied, “My dream is that one day we can live in a community where we push each other to win.”
The reporter pressed, “But why did you let the Kenyan win?”
Iván answered, “I didn’t let him win—he was going to win. The race was his.”
Still, the reporter insisted, “But you could have won!”
Iván looked at him and said, “But what would be the merit of my victory? What honor would there be in that medal? What would my mother think of it?”
This story is a reminder: true victory isn’t about standing above others, but about lifting each other up. Our actions teach more than our words ever could.
Let’s choose to help one another cross the finish line. Let’s pass on the beauty of kindness, integrity, and humanity.
Because one action can start a ripple. One book, one pen, one child, one teacher can change the world. And so can one choice—yours.
Be the change. Be the one who starts it.