Soh Rui Yong Shares Water With Eventual Winner Of 10,000m Race From Indonesia
Besides winning silver in the men’s 10,000m event at the 2023 SEA Games, national runner Soh Rui Yong also won the hearts of viewers from around the region with his thoughtful gesture during the race.
Seeing that his Indonesian counterpart had failed to grab a beverage at one of the drink stops, Soh graciously shared his cup of water with his competitor.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
The Indonesian runner eventually came in first, three seconds faster than the 31-year-old Singaporean.
Soh Rui Yong shares water with Indonesian competitor
About 24 minutes into the race, Soh and Indonesian runner Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon were headed towards a water station.
But as Simbolon attempted to grab a bottle of water, he seemingly fumbled and knocked it to the ground.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
Meanwhile, Soh, who was just paces behind Simbolon at the time, successfully grabbed himself a cup of water.
After pouring some water over his head, Soh accelerated while extending his right hand, which was holding the cup.
He then offered whatever water was left in the cup to Simbolon, who quickly grabbed the cup and emptied the contents into his mouth.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
Describing the gesture as “absolutely sporting”, the commentator commended the Singaporean runner:
You cannot make that up, you cannot fake it either. He is a gentleman, this Soh Rui Yong.
Indonesian runner eventually came in 1st
About five minutes later during the closing stages of the race, it was again Soh and Simbolon that the cameras zoomed in on.
Simbolon was leading the race, with Soh following closely behind.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
However, at about the 30-minute mark of the race, Simbolon found a last burst of energy and successfully broke away from Soh.
The Indonesian eventually emerged champion after finishing the race in 31 minutes 8.85 seconds.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
Soh came in just two seconds later at 31 minutes 10.70 seconds, setting a new national record.
Soh’s silver medal is also Singapore’s first SEA Games medal in the men’s 10,000m event in the last 40 years.
As both crossed the finish line, they gave each other a friendly nudge, seemingly referencing their interaction earlier on.
Moments later as Simbolon sank to the ground, presumably due to fatigue, Soh came over to offer his competitor a friendly handshake.
Source: Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube
Kudos to Soh for his exemplary display of sportsmanship, showing the world that there’s still a place for compassion and graciousness even in the fiercest of competitions.
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Featured image adapted from Entertainment – Mediacorp on YouTube.
