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After Autistic Runner Got Lost, Opponent Goes Out of His Way to Help Him Cross the Finish Line
For these two cross country runners, losing their match was better than winning.
When sophomore runner Evan Hansen was running the course during his cross country meet, he saw a runner from the opposing team veer off course.
Adam Todd, Hansen’s opponent who has epilepsy and is autistic, got sidetracked by an ambulance and followed it off course. Hansen then made a selfless choice to follow Todd and help him find his way back. After finding Todd and getting back on track, Hansen helped guide him back to the finish line. Together they held hands and ran the rest of the 1.5 mile race together.
“It was pretty amazing actually,” said Hansen. “I kind of pushed him in front of me when he finished. I wanted him to be in front of me because he finished it by himself, I’d like to say.”
When the crowd got word of Hansen’s good deed, they rallied at the finish line encouraging the duo to finish strong.
According to InspireMore, both of the coaches got choked up after seeing this heartwarming act.
“I can’t tell you the immense pride I felt,” said Coach Jayme Skay. “You coach 20, 30 years, and it’s moments like that, that make it all worth it.”
Check out the inspirational moment with the runners below.