Remembering John Landy

from the Addie:

Inverleigh athlete Charlie Hall‘s ultimate act of sportsmanship in helping fallen mate up

April 2, 2016 12:00am

BETHANY TYLERGeelong Advertiser

Charlie Hall, 11, from Inverleigh helps his best mate to his feet during a recent race. Picture: Little Athletics Victoria

Young Geelong runner Charlie Hall has been lauded for his sportsmanship. Picture: Sarah Matray

AN Inverleigh boy would have made John Landy proud at a recent Little Athletics meet.

Charlie Hall is following in the footsteps of the famous athlete in more ways than one, after displaying a true act of sportsmanship while representing Geelong in an 800m race.

A photo of the 11-year-old helping a fallen competitor to his feet was posted to the group’s Facebook page, attracting comments like “A legend on his own right” and “What a great kid”.

His selfless act harked back to 1956 when Landy famously doubled back to check on competitor Ron Clarke who had tripped during a race.

“I actually did a speech on (John Landy) at school because he and another current athlete are my favourites,” Charlie said.

While the comparison was not lost on Charlie, who trains at Landy Field, he shrugged off the praise.

“About 20m to go I saw him trip over another kid, then I passed him and just before the finish line and I don’t know, I just turned around and then helped him up,” he said.

“It was just the right thing to do, really, when you see your best friend go down.

“I guess it doesn’t hurt to help out, and treat others like you’d want to be treated.”

Charlie is not one to talk himself up, but he has plenty to brag about.

The Inverleigh Primary School student was recently one of three local kids picked to compete for a spot in the state cricket team. But he said sport wasn’t always about winning.