Marathoner Ashley Liew receives top international fair play award for his act of sportsmanship at 2015 SEA Games

Singapore's Ashley Liew reacts as he crosses the finishing line to place 8th in the Men's Marathon in the 28th SEA Games on June 7, 2015. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - National marathoner Ashley Liew has been awarded the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP)'s Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy for his act of sportsmanship during the 2015 Singapore SEA Games.

There are various fair play categories awarded annually but the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy is among the most prestigious and Liew was congratulated for his "remarkable act of fair play" in a letter personally signed by CIFP president Dr Jeno Kamuti.

The 28-year-old Singaporean has also been invited to receive his prize at the official ceremony in Budapest, Hungary on Oct 15.

During the SEA Games men's marathon on June 7, 2015, Liew had found himself with a 50m lead after the 12 other runners missed a U-turn and took the wrong route.

But instead of capitalising on his advantage, he slowed down to give his competitors time to catch up. Liew eventually finished eighth in the race, which was won by compatriot Soh Rui Yong.

He was lauded by several ministers, including Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, then Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu and Law Minister and then Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, who congratulated Liew on Facebook for "making us proud, as Singaporeans".

Liew also received a special award for sportsmanship at the Singapore Sports Awards held earlier this year in June.

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