Last week, during a cross-country meet in Indiana, Plymouth High School senior Leo Sickmiller displayed remarkable sportsmanship by helping an opponent who collapsed during the race. When Sickmiller noticed Gabe Schrock from NorthWood High slowing down and collapsing, without hesitation, he lifted him and carried him toward the finish line. Schrock's mother, Rhonda Schrock, witnessed the event, which she describes as both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and she expressed her deep gratitude for the teen’s kind gesture.
Sickmiller carried his competitor until just before the finish line, then allowed him to crawl across it on his own. Reflecting on his actions, he says he was just helping out a fellow runner and recognizing that in time, the gesture will be more memorable than the race itself. He also encourages other athletes to put helping others ahead of winning.
Rhonda Schrock says Sickmiller’s act of kindness is a reminder that there’s good in the world. Although they are still awaiting test results to determine what caused Gabe’s collapse, she’s thankful for Sickmiller and takes comfort in seeing young people display integrity and character despite the challenges they face.
Source: WSBT