Fahd trained for weeks for the school’s annual running race, dreaming of winning the gold medal. When the race began, he ran with all his strength, but his classmate Samer overtook him in the final moments and crossed the finish line first.

Fahd felt deeply disappointed, and when the students gathered to congratulate Samer, Fahd stood apart, scowling, refusing to come closer or applaud. When Samer reached out to shake his hand, Fahd said angrily, «The win should have been mine», and stormed off, leaving his friend’s hand hanging in the air.

The coach noticed Fahd’s sadness and anger, and sat with him after the race, saying, «Losing isn’t a flaw, Fahd, but refusing to congratulate your friend costs you something more valuable than any medal: the respect of those around you». Fahd thought long about his coach’s words and felt ashamed of how he had acted.

The next day, Fahd went to Samer and apologized sincerely, saying, «I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday, I really do congratulate you, you ran wonderfully». Samer smiled and shook his hand warmly. Fahd learned that day that accepting defeat with good sportsmanship makes you a winner in another way, one more important than any race.