When Evan Hansen and Adam Todd passed the finished line during a high school cross country super-meet it wasn’t just a finish to the race but also a celebration of human kindness. Evan Hansen, a sophomore at City High in Iowa originally veered off the course because he saw a runner from another team run off the trail. The other runner, Adam Todd, has epilepsy and autism.
Todd had originally become distracted by an ambulance and left the track. Hansen, realizing that the young man needed his help, selflessly decided to give up his chance at a high finish in the race. Not only did Hansen help his fellow competitor back onto the track, he held hands with the young man for the final 1.5 miles of the race.
“It was pretty amazing actually,” said Hansen. “I kind of pushed him in front of me when he finished. I wanted him to be in front of me because he finished it by himself, I’d like to say.”
The crowd, realizing the young man’s devotion to help another runner, cheered them on.
Hansen’s teammates ran alongside the boys encouraging he and Todd to finish the race strong.
The coach of City High said it was this type of moment that made his job special.
“I can’t tell you the immense pride I felt,” said Coach Jayme Skay. “You coach 20, 30 years, and it’s moments like that, that make it all worth it.”
