Hamblin's admirable compassion for her fellow athlete drew plaudits from around the world as the 28-year-old athlete gave up on a chance of a medal to help the stricken runner.

D'Agostino urged to Hamblin to continue racing but the English-born athlete refused to leave the American's side until a wheelchair could be brought to take her away.

Now the IOC has decided to award both the New Zealander and the American the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin award.

Otherwise known as the International Fair Play Trophy, the award has only been handed out 17 times in Olympic history.