Canadian figure skater Keegan Messing is being held in high praise for his recent display of excellent sportsmanship.
At the Autumn Classic International in Oakville, Ontario, the 27-year-old held up the Japanese flag for fellow competitor Yuzuru Hanyu during the medal ceremony after Hanyu had just won a gold medal.
The situation began developing as the national anthem of Japan started to play, when Messing unfurled the Japanese flag behind the podium and held it up while Hanyu faced it for the rest of the anthem.
In response to the kind gesture, Hanyu bowed to thank Messing after the anthem as the crowd cheered.
Sportsmanship from Keegan Messing at the Autumn Classic ⛸️.
— Olympic Channel (@olympicchannel) September 15, 2019
During the medal ceremony, the Canadian unfurled the Japanese flag for winner Yuzuru Hanyu to face throughout his national anthem.
Recap from the #ACI19 men’s final: https://t.co/CzKZypDTnl@SkateCanada pic.twitter.com/FNJHvyMOON
Messing brought home a bronze from the event.
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