It was the final part of the 2016 World Triathlon ( 三项全能) Series in Mexico. With just 700 meters to go, Alistair Brownlee was in third place and his younger brother, Jonny, was in the lead. Alistair pushed himself towards the finish line in the burning heat, but as he came round the corner, he saw his brother about to fall onto the track. Alistair had to choose—brotherly love, or a chance to win the race?
For Alistair, the choice was clear. His brother was in trouble. He had to help. Alistair ran towards Jonny, caught him and started pulling him towards the finish line. Alistair then pushed his brother over the line. The move put Jonny in second place and Alistair himself in third. It was an unexpected end to the race, but Alistair did not want to discuss it with the media. He just wanted to see his younger brother, who had been rushed to the medical area.
The Brownlee brothers have been doing triathlons since they were children. "Obviously, when your older brother is doing it, you think it's a cool thing to do," says Jonny. Alistair says that they encourage each other as much as they can when they train. Despite arguments over "stupid things" now and then, Alistair agrees that having a brother is an advantage. "Throughout my entire life, I've had my brother trying to beat me at everything I do. It has been an enormously positive force. "
Watched by millions, the ending to the race has divided opinions: should the brothers have been disqualified or highly praised for their actions? But for Alistair, his decision was easy to explain, "Mum wouldn't have been happy if I'd left Jonny behind." At that moment, he was no longer an athlete aiming for a medal—he was just a brother.
