This high school athlete who made a selfless sacrifice deserves first place in sportsmanship.

Zachary Hougland, a 17-year-old senior and member of Iowa’s Davis High School cross country team, competed at a meet last week and finished first, according to WHOtv.com. But after he finished, the teen looked back at the course and saw a runner from an opposing team, Garret Hinson of Mediapolis High School collapse.

He saw that no one was helping Hinson, so Hougland stepped up to the plate. And though receiving or giving assistance to a rival competitor is grounds for disqualification, Hougland rushed over to the fallen runner and helped him back up, guiding him toward the finish line, the Des Moines Register reported. Hinson was then able to finish up the race on his own.

Hougland blew his opponent, who was also disqualified, away with his compassion.

Read the article “High School Runner Disqualified for Helping Hurt Rival Has No Regrets” on huffingtonpost.com.