TRENTON, Ill. — They may have lost a race at the Southern Illinois Track Meet, but they won the hearts of the crowd.
Thirteen-year-old twin sisters Chloe and Claire Gruenke were both competing in an 800 meter race at the Southern Illinois Track Meet when Chloe sustained a leg injury, KTVI-TV reports.
“I felt something pull and pop in my thigh and then around the second lap it hurt and I couldn’t go anymore and I fell to the ground,” Chloe said in an interview.
Claire then picked up her sister, put her on her back and carried her for the last 370 meters of the race, the report said.
“It`s about showing compassion, love and sportsmanship, even if you lose and help somebody it`s still worth it. The energy from the crowd made me stronger. They were saying I can`t believe you just did that,” Claire said.
Doug Gruenke, the girls’ father, said Claire’s selfless deed earned her a standing ovation.
