Remember when those two runners collided during the women’s 5,000-meter semifinal and stopped to help each other recover? As it turns out, they’ll be awarded the ultimate Olympic sportsmanship prize. The International Olympic Committee announced Sunday that New Zealander Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D’Agostino would both win the International Fair Play Committee Award for their inspiring display of integrity on the Olympic track.
The IOC said in a statement,
“The Olympic games are about more than the win, the medals, or the record-setting performances. At their core, the games are about the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. They are about fair play and human spirit. The D’Agostino and Hamblin story is one of humanity and sacrifice which has already captured the hearts of people across the globe.”
When Hamblin and D’Agnostino crashed into each other with 2,000 meters left in the race, the runners had little time to decide whether to take care of themselves or help each other out. In that split second, D’Agnostino decided to help Hamblin get back on her feet even though it meant forfeiting her chance to place. Although Hamblin was badly injured, the New Zealander encouraged her American rival to continue with the race.
According to the IOC, Hamblin was honored to receive the Fair Play award and humbled by the experience. “I think it’s very special for both Abbey and myself,” said the 28-year-old, “I don’t think either of us woke up and thought that that was going to be our day, or our race, or our Olympic Games. Both of us are strong competitors and we wanted to go out there and do our best on the track.”
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.