MELBOURNE, Fla. - Nova Southeastern cross country student-athlete Imke Oelerich is the 2016 female recipient of the Sunshine State Conference Sportsmanship Award. Oelerich was named NSU's Female Sportsmanship Award winner and has been nominated for the 2016 NCAA Sportsmanship award.

While running in the 2015 Sunshine State Conference Championship meet at Holloway Park in Lakeland, she displayed an act of genuine human kindness and sportsmanship rarely witnessed on the competitive field. During the first two miles of the 6,000 meter race, she topped a hill and watched Kayla Sullivan, a University of Tampa runner, fall just ahead of her.

Sullivan tripped on a tree root, causing her to fall and injure her knee. She was unable to get up in the middle of the race at the farthest point from the finish line. Oelerich was the only one who stopped to assist her fallen competitor. "The decision to stop wasn't a decision at all," stated Oelrich. "It was a reaction."

Oelrich stayed with Sullivan for about 15-20 seconds until help arrived. She continued on to finish 16th in the championship. "It was really nice that she did that. It was super sportsmanlike," Sullivan said. "She risked a few seconds, which is the most important thing in running. But I'm not surprised (she stopped). The running community is large and supportive."

At the end of the race, Oelrich was "question" by her head coach Bryan Hagopian on why her performance was below average. Apologetically, she shared the events with her team and coach.

"This was one of the most interesting and coolest things I've seen in 20 years of coaching," said Hagopian. "In the future, I would encourage my athletes to help the opposing runner at least long enough to know that help is on the way. I know the mindset is to always win. But, I'd rather have someone safe than win-at-any-cost attitude."

The Braunschweig, Germany native is a graduate student at Nova Southeastern working towards an MBA. She holds a Sports and Performance degree from the Sports University of Cologne.