04/18/24
March 15, 2014
Teen Wrestler Loses State Title, Hugs Opponent's Dying Dad: A Minnesota high school wrestler won over the crowd with a hug that came away from the mat -- and after a loss. Instead of getting upset when he lost the 120-pound title match in the Class 3A tournament, Blaine High School sophomore Malik Stewart went over to his opponent's dad -- who is dying of cancer -- and gave him a hug. "He won," Stewart said of opponent Mitchell McKee. "He was pretty proud, and his dad was pretty proud. So I went over there and I shook his hand, embraced him a little bit, and told him to stay strong and everybody loves him."
I very much agree, a refreshing story to read.
posted by Scottymac at 05:23 PM on March 15, 2014
What makes it even more remarkable is that he'd just been dealt a crushing blow by losing the state crown. I don't know I'd have the same grace in that situation.
posted by rcade at 12:06 PM on March 16, 2014
It sounds like the kid learned perspective and grace the hard way: "Stewart lost his own father to a heart attack when he was just 7 years old."
posted by yerfatma at 10:19 AM on March 17, 2014
I'm sure the school will find a way to suspend the kid.
posted by scuubie at 08:16 PM on March 23, 2014
In a sporting world in which it's more likely that someone like [Player X] makes the headlines for [cheating | holding out for more money | assaulting his wife/girlfriend | slaying hookers | using drugs | etc.] it's refreshing to see such an outstanding example of true [sportsmanship | class | grace | etc.].