Belgium’s Van de Velde wins International Fair Play Award
Belgian steeplechaser Tim Van de Velde has been selected as the winner of the International Fair Play Award following his selfless act to help another athlete during competition at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
Following nominations from fans, members of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) and World Athletics formed a jury to decide on a shortlist of fair play moments in athletics from 2025, before Van de Velde was declared the winner.
Van de Velde’s fair play moment occurred during the 3000m steeplechase heats at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Colombia’s Carlos San Martin was injured during a fall earlier in the race and, as they approached the finish line, Van de Velde decided to turn back to help San Martin to cross the finish line – fully aware that i...