# “What Would Be the Merit of My Victory?”  (Story of Two Runners)

- Link: https://dismasfellowshipnetwork.com/reflections/what-would-be-the-merit-of-my-victory-story-of-two-runners/
- Published: 2021-06-07T13:17:59-04:00
- Author: Paul Tuck

[[**“What Would Be the Merit of My Victory?”**
 (Story of 2 Runners)

Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was just a few feet from the finish line, but became confused
with the signage and stopped, thinking he had completed the race. A Spanish runner,
Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realizing what was happening, started 
shouting at the Kenyan  to continue running.  Mutai didn’t know Spanish and didn’t
understand. Realizing what was taking place, Fernandez  pushed Mutai to victory.

A journalist asked Ivan, “Why did you do that?” Ivan replied, “My dream is that 
someday we can have a kind of community life where we push and help each other to
win.”

The journalist insisted “But why did you let the Kenyan win?” Ivan replied, “I didn’t
let him win, he was going to win. The race was his.” The journalist insisted, and
again asked, “But you could have won!” Ivan looked at him and replied, “But what
would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor in that medal?

What would my Mother think of that?”

Values are passed on from generation to generation.

**REFLECTON QUESTION:**

Can you recall a time you did the right thing, even though it cost you something?
OR What is a moral value that is extremely important to you?