Last week, as he stood at the finish line of the Arkansas Cross Country State Championships to video his daughter Kaylee finish the final race of her high school career, Robert Montgomery recorded an even more precious moment. Despite aiming for a personal best, Kaylee’s priority shifted when she saw one of her competitors struggling to go on and stopped to help her.
Julia Witherington had also been hoping for a personal best time when her legs gave out just short of the finish line. Taking Julia by the arm, Kaylee walked with her the last 50 yards, encouraging her by repeating, “You got this. We’re almost there.” Kaylee’s dad shared the video of the moment on social media where it’s been viewed over 3-million times and received thousands of comments and likes.
Following the viral video, Kaylee has received scholarship offers in recognition of her compassionate gesture. In a statement, Julia expressed her gratitude, writing, “Kaylee was really selfless in helping me up.” She notes that Kaylee’s sacrifice meant that she forfeited a higher place during her final race, but as one commenter put it, “She won the race of life.”
Source: KAIT 8
Photo: Heath Korvola / The Image Bank / Getty Images