Rio 2016: New Zealand's Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D'Agostino remind us of Olympic spirit

American and New Zealand athletes showed the world what it means to have Olympic spirit during the the 5000m heats at Rio 2016.

Abbey D'Agostino of USA and Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand collided at the 3km mark on the track and both the athletes went down, reports BBC. D'Agostino recovered quickly and extended her hand to Hamblin who was just lying on the tracks, crying. D'Agostino put her hand around Hamblin, helped her get up and told her not to give up.

At the #Olympics, it's not always about winning.
.@abbey_dags @NikkiHamblin pic.twitter.com/P6f9UufM92

— Olympics (@Olympics) August 16, 2016

The athletes continued the race. But later it became clear that the American was hurt badly and could not continue the race. It was Hamblin's turn to support D'Agostino and encourage her fellow competitor to finish the race.

Hamblin eventually had to D'Agostino as medics took the American away on a wheelchair.

"She helped me first. I tried to help her. She was pretty bad. That girl is the Olympic spirit right there," said Hamblin who was greeted by D'Agostino at the finishing line with a hug.

Though the duo couldn't qualify for the finals, organisers have reinstated them as finalists. Depending on their fitness, these two might run in the final on Friday night.