Kenyan athlete Felix Kiptarus Korir who represented Kenya in the World U20 Athletics Championship has won love across the world after giving his jersey to a young Colombian fan.
Korir finished second and won the silver medal, followed by fellow Kenyan Edwin Kimosong Kisalsak, who won the bronze, in the men’s 3000 meter race.
The medalist spotted a young Colombian youngster in the audience as he completed his lap of honor around the crowded Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium.
He approached and saw that the youngster was holding a sign asking for his jersey.
The fact that the young child was obviously not a Kenyan and that it must have taken some effort for him to write Swahili fluently undoubtedly caught Korir’s attention.
“Habari, mimi ni mwanariadha na ningejivunia kuvaa shati ya Kenya katika mbio zangu, ungenipa?” read the words on the placard.
At that point in time, the Kenyan representative who was 12,461 km away from home was moved to the point of removing his jersey without thinking twice.
The huge smile on the 18-year-old sportsman’s face as he handed over the outfit was evidence that the writings meant a lot to him.
The exchange was followed by a warm embrace between the two new friends as onlookers cheered them on.
Korir may not have won gold at the event, but his gesture will forever remain a win for both him, the young fan, and the sport at large.
Details indicate that the little boy used a translation software to come up with the Swahili words he wrote on the placard.
Kenyans Korir and Kisalsak finished second and third in the men’s 3000m, clocking 7:47.86 and 7:49.82 minutes respectively.
The gold medal was taken by Ethiopia’s Melkeneh Azize after crossing the finish line in 7:44.06 minutes.
