WEST LIBERTY, Ohio (AP) -- A western Ohio high school runner is being praised for her sportsmanship after helping a struggling competitor finish their race at the state track meet.

Meghan Vogel of West Liberty-Salem High School had won an earlier race but was in last place in the 3,200-meter run Saturday as she caught up to Arlington sophomore Arden McMath, whose body was giving out. Instead of zipping past McMath to avoid the last-place finish, Vogel decided to help. She put McMath's arm around her shoulders, dragged her the final 20 meters and pushed her competitor over the finish line before crossing it.

Vogel tells the Springfield News-Sun she's humbled by the supportive messages she's since received from friends and strangers.

Vogel says she believes other distance runners would've done the same thing.

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