The crowd grew silent after Danish midfielder Cristian Eriksen suddenly collapsed on the field during the match against Finland on June 12. He was later reported to be stable. Meanwhile, a picture of his teammates forming a protective wall around him as he was being treated stuck with people. It was among some of the most powerful episodes of solidarity in the world of sport. Here is a look back at a few more moving moments of sporting spirit -- from Kathrine Switzer who completed the Boston Marathon even after an official tried to stop her to American footballer Colin Kaepernick who took a knee during the national anthem before a 2016 match.
Updated On: 2021-06-19 05:54 PM IST
Cristian Eriksen, attacking midfielder of the Denmark national football team suddenly collapsed on the field during their opening Euro 2021 match against Finland on June 12. While family, fans and teammates prayed for him to be revived, it was the pictures of solidarity when his teammates formed a wall around him and then walked near his stretcher as he was taken off the field, which have stayed with many people. Photo: AFP
In September 2016, American rugby player, activist and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (seen in hoardings here) sat on his knee in protest instead of standing while the national anthem was being sung during a pre-season game as he 'did not want to show pride for a flag and country that oppresses black people and people of colour', according to reports. Photo: AFP
In April 1967, American journalism student Kathrine Switzer (pictured here) ran the Boston Marathon and became the first woman to do so even though she was briefly interrupted during the race by race manager Jock Semple, who tried to grab her bib before he was stopped by her trainer Arnie Briggs and boyfriend Tom Miller. Photo: AFP
At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, two African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists while the national anthem was played during the award ceremony for the 200-metre race, where they had won gold and bronze medals respectively. It was to protest against the poor treatment of black people in their country. Photo: AFP
During the 1936 Olympics in Germany, African American athlete Jesse Owens, seen here, won four gold medals and during his long jump medal ceremony saluted the American flag, unlike his competitors who raised their hand to Hitler. It was reported that Hitler did not shake hands with Black athletes including Owens and his fellow African American, the high jumper Cornelius Johnson. Photo: AFP
