19 May 2025 - The Olympic Games have always been about more than medals, reflecting ideals that go beyond victories and record-breaking performances. As the world today marks the first World Fair Play Day, to be celebrated every year on 19 May following its official designation by the United Nations General Assembly in July 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) highlights how the values of fair play and sportsmanship have long been part of the Olympic Games.
Since the Olympic Games Antwerp 1920, athletes have sworn an oath at the Opening Ceremony to compete “in the true spirit of sportsmanship.” This commitment has guided generations of Olympians in how they approach both victory and defeat.
Throughout Olympic history, athletes have demonstrated that fair play is not just a value – it’s a commitment to the Olympic spirit.
PARIS 2024 - CANADIAN GYMNAST ELLIE BLACK EXCEMPLIFIES TRUE SPORTMANSHIP
At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Canadian gymnast Ellie Black received the Fair Play Award following a moment of compassion in the women’s artistic gymnastics qualifying round. After French star Mélanie de Jesus dos Santos was visibly upset following a series of falls, Black was seen offering comfort and encouragement. Her actions resonated with fans around the world.
“To me, gymnastics and sport is more than just the end result,” said Black. “We are competitors and we want to compete, but you want to see everyone do their best and have a really great competition. Sport is so much more than just performances and being competitive, so I think that was an incredible moment [with De Jesus dos Santos] and I think at the Olympics we see a lot of those sportsmanship moments.”
TOKYO 2020 - WOMEN'S SKATEBOARDING FINALISTS DISPLAY SPIRIT OF MUTUAL RESPECT
The women’s skateboarding finalists were collectively awarded the Fair Play Award for their display of encouragement and solidarity as they lifted fellow skater Misugu Okamoto onto their shoulders after the Japanese athlete had fallen during her final run.
RIO 2016 - NEW ZEALAND'S NIKKI HAMBLIN STOPS MID-RACE TO HELP FELLOW COMPETITOR
At the Olympic Games Rio 2016, New Zealand's Nikki Hamblin stopped mid-race to help American Abbey D'Agostino after the pair had collided during the heats of the women’s 5,000m. Despite injuries, the two supported each other to the finish line, creating one of the most memorable moments of the Games.
TURIN 2026 - NORWEGIAN CROSS-COUNTRY COACH BJØRNAR HÅKENSMOEN EXEMPLIFIES THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT
Norwegian cross-country coach Bjørnar Håkensmoen stood out at the Olympic Winter Games Turin 2006, when he gave Canada’s Sara Renner a spare pole after hers broke during the women’s team sprint. With the replacement, Renner and her teammate went on to win silver, while Norway finished fourth. Håkensmoen’s gesture was widely praised and viewed as a clear example of the Olympic spirit.
INNSBRUCK 1964: ITALIAN BOBSLEDDER EUGENIO MONTI DEMONSTRATES ONE OF THE EARLIEST AND ENDURING EXAMPLES OF FAIR PLAY
At the Olympic Winter Games Innsbruck 1964, Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti assisted rival teams on two separate occasions. First, he provided a replacement bolt to the British pair of Tony Nash and Robin Dixon after their sled suffered mechanical trouble. The British duo went on to win gold, and Monti responded to praise by saying: “Nash didn't win because I gave him the bolt. He won because he had the fastest run.”
A few days later, in the four-man bobsleigh event, Monti and his mechanics helped repair the damaged axle of the Canadian sled. Without this intervention, the Canadian team would have been disqualified. Instead, they went on to win gold while Monti and the Italian team claimed bronze. These acts of sportsmanship earned Monti the first Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy for fair play and set a standard for future generations of Olympians.
HONOURING ACTS OF FAIR PLAY ON THE OLYMPIC STAGE
Such demonstrations of fair play have continued to characterise the Games across generations and disciplines. Fair Play Awards have been created to honour these moments. They are presented by the IOC, in collaboration with the International Fair Play Committee, to athletes, coaches and officials who demonstrate outstanding acts of sportsmanship during the Games.
Fair play is at the heart of our Olympic mission. When Pierre de Coubertin founded the IOC, he saw fair play as fundamental to all sports; fair play is therefore one of our most cherished Olympic values. The establishment of World Fair Play Day, now officially recognised by the United Nations, is a testament to our commitment to our Olympic mission.
Thomas Bach, IOC President
As the world marks the first World Fair Play Day, acts of sportsmanship serve as powerful reminders that fair play remains a defining feature of the Olympic Games and a reflection of the values that underpin the Olympic Movement. From the oath at the Opening Ceremony to spontaneous acts of kindness on the field of play, the Olympic Movement continues to inspire a better world through sport, grounded in respect, friendship and excellence.
