Speed skater Kai Verbij has been awarded a sportsmanship prize by the International Olympic Committee. The IOC Audience Award includes a cash prize of 50,000 dollars (converted 47,000 euros) that will go to a charity of the winner’s choice. The 27-year-old Verbij chose Unicef Netherlands for this.
The so-called Visa Award is an award for the most inspiring moment at the Olympic and Paralympic Games that reflects the values of friendship, acceptance and inspiration. The other winner was the Ukrainian Paralympic team. That left the money to go to the National Paralympic Committee.
Verbij received the prize for his race in the 1000 meters during the Beijing Games. In order not to ruin his opponent’s chances of a medal in the stage, Laurent Dubreuil, Verbij gave the Canadian the lead at the intersection when both skaters were almost next to each other at the exit of the bend. His own chances for a medal were lost. Dubreuil took silver behind Thomas Krol, Verbij finished thirtieth.
According to the Dutchman, people have told him that he should have gone for his own chances. “You always wonder if you’re making the right decision in a split second, but I’m also very proud that people all over the world voted for this award and appreciate my decision. It makes me feel like I I have made the right decision. I think sportsmanship should take precedence over personal success and that is even more important at the Games, where there are many individual athletes,” said Verbij.