Skotheim: 'fair play is a foundation of sport'

Sander Skotheim described fair play as “one of the best foundations of sport” as he received an award at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne for his actions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Norwegian decathlete had been in contention for a medal in Paris, but no-heighting in the pole vault dashed his dreams of a podium place. Despite that disappointment, Skotheim decided to continue competing. In the process he supported his compatriot and the eventual winner Markus Rooth, helping his teammate in the final discipline – the 1500m.

That act saw Skotheim declared the winner of the International Fair Play Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024 and more recently the world indoor champion received recognition in Lausanne, as one of three winners of the CIFP’s Fair Play Awards, in conjunction with the Olympic Games.

“I view fair play as one of the best foundations of sport. You’re out there and you’re competing but it’s not only you competing – you’re all there competing together and to have that respect for each other is truly one of the foundations of sport that I live most up to,” he said.

Sander Skotheim at the Fair Play Awards in Lausanne (© World Athletics Delphine Maiarelli)

Reflecting on his award, he added: “I feel truly honoured. It means a lot to me to get this award for something that for me felt very natural in the moment. It was a great experience and very inspiring for me to be there to enjoy part of his (Rooth’s) moment in becoming the Olympic champion.”

After being named the Fair Play Award winner as part of the World Athletics Awards in 2024, Skotheim now forms part of the jury judging on the fair play moments nominated for the 2025 award.

Three finalists – Emmanouil Karalis, Josh Kerr and Tim Van De Velde – were announced on Monday (17). The winner will be decided following votes from the jury and from fans on social media, and will be announced as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025.

World Athletics