Incredible moment after crushing fall in 800m semi-final

Two medal hopes crashed down during the race of their lives in a devastating 800m semi-final collision but then something remarkable happened.

Isaiah Jewett of Team United States and Nijel Amos of Team Botswana react after falling in the Men's 800m Semi-Final. Picture: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Sport really can be a cruel world at times.

Last night, American Isaiah Jewett was preparing himself for the race of a lifetime in the men’s 800m semi-final.

With medals on his mind, he wanted to place in the top two of his semi-final heat and make the Olympic final.

And, it all seemed to be going according to plan.

Coming around the final turn, he ran in a tightly bunched pack, in close pursuit of three runners.

He told reporters he felt confident in his race strategy and believed in his stamina — but then it all went wrong.

He felt something clip his foot. Jewett lost his balance and, in the biggest race of his life, tumbled to the ground.

There was a devastating collision on the track. Picture: Antonin Thuillier / AFP

USA's Isaiah Jewett (L) and Botswana's Nijel Amos fell down. Picture: Antonin Thuillier / AFP)

To make matters worse, London 2012 silver medallist — Botswana’s Nijel Amos — was following closely behind him, and also hit the deck just fractions of a second later.

There were also high medal hopes for the Botswana middle-distance runner — but it looked as though both dreams came crashing down for the downed athletes.

But after they lay devastated on the track for brief moment, something incredible happened.

Instead of letting their frustrations get the better of them, they helped each other to their feet.

Jewett leaned over and extended his hand. “Come on, man,” Jewett said. He pulled him to his feet.

“I’m sorry,” Amos said.

“Let’s just finish the race, man,” Jewett said.

Both athletes looked devastated. Picture: Antonin Thuillier / AFP

They turned to each other after falling. Picture: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP

They then helped each other up. Picture: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Jewett and Amos put their arms around one another. They walked slowly down the track, shoulder to shoulder, blood running down Jewett’s right leg.

Jewett explained what was going through his mind during the touching moment of sportsmanship.

“I learned from all the superhero animations I watch, regardless of how mad you are, you have to be a hero at the end of the day,” he said.

“That was my version of trying to be a hero. “Standing up and showing good character, even if it’s my rival or whoever I’m racing. I don’t want any bad because that’s what heroes do. They show their humanity through who they are. They show that they are good people.”

Amos was advanced to the 800m final, while Jewett was not.

They then finished the race together. Picture: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Amos was judged not to be responsible for the fall. Picture: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP

Jewett believed he was clipped by Amos which caused him to trip, but the ruling indicates that Jewett was responsible for the fall — meaning he may have tripped himself.

The friendly gesture was certainly appreciated by Amos.

“You are all united by emotion,” he said. “We felt all the emotion when we went down. When we stood up and just tried … to get home.

“I thought I was in a good position to take this heat, and I can’t put words on it.”

Despite the bad outcome for Jewett, his actions in the moment will be remembered for all the right reasons — with the image of two competitors embracing and finished the race a visual reminder of the Olympic spirit.

Originally published as Incredible moment after crushing fall in 800m semi-final