Did you know that a Spanish runner intentionally lost a race, because…

calleja diario De Navaura/www.huffingtonpost.com

A runner from Spain intentionally lost a race to allow the man who should have won cross the line first do so.

During a race in December, Ivan Fernandez Anaya witnessed a fellow competitor think he finished their race. His competitor slowed down thinking that he had already won the race.

Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was oblivious to the fact the finish line was 10 metres further down, despite a roar from the crowd instructing him to continue. As the athlete didn’t speak Spanish, he didn't understand that he still had a way to go to finish the cross-country event which took place in Burlada, Navarre.

Showing that winning isn’t everything, Anaya gave up his chance to take first place in order to do what he felt was the right thing. Despite an opportunity to surge ahead in the final seconds, he let the Olympic Bronze medallist take the position he deserved.

Explaining what took place, Anaya spoke to CNA. He said the Kenyan runner “looked back and saw the people telling him to keep going, but since he doesn't speak Spanish he didn't realize it.”

The generous act wasn't met with the approval of Anaya’s coach, but he hasn't doubted his decision. Speaking to El Paris, he said: “I didn't deserve to win it. I did what I had to do. He was the rightful winner. He created a gap that I couldn't have closed if he hadn't made a mistake. As soon as I saw he was stopping, I knew I wasn't going to pass him.”

Watch footage of the end of the race below:

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