September 18, 2009

2009 EUROPEAN FAIR PLAY PLAQUE of MERIT and DIPLOMA (Individuals) JAN – PETER PECKOLT AND HANNES PECKOLT (GER)

Jan – Peter Peckolt and Hannes Peckolt from Germany, winners of the Bronze Medal in the 49er class in the Olympic Sailing Contest in Qingdao for their remarkable gesture during the said event, promoting this way the ethical values of sport (proposal from the German Olympic Sports Confederation). During one of the decisive races in Qingdao, the Peckolt brothers were competing in a tightly contested fleet. At a critical moment, they became aware that another team had been disadvantaged (reports commonly refer to confusion or an incident affecting a rival boat’s fair chance to compete properly).

Instead of quietly taking advantage of the situation—which could have improved their own standing—they chose to act according to the rules and spirit of sailing. They effectively acknowledged the irregularity and did not exploit it, even though doing so might have cost them a better medal position.