Batesville’s Kaylee Montgomery assists Greenwood’s Julia Worthington — Screenshot Robert Montgomery via ABC News
World News Tonight with David Muir on ABC News on Thursday featured a Batesville Pioneer cross-country runner’s selfless act at the recent Arkansas State Cross Country Championships in Hot Springs.
Batesville High School Charter senior Kaylee Montgomery was aiming for a personal best in her final meet when, just 40 yards from the finish line, she noticed a fellow runner fall in exhaustion and struggle to stand.
In a video of the moment recorded by Kaylee’s father, Robert Montgomery, Kaylee immediately stopped and helped Greenwood High School junior Julia Worthington to her feet, wrapping her arm around Worthington and assisting her to the finish line with support and encouragement.
“I just kept encouraging her to push through and telling her, ‘You got this. We’re almost there,’” Kaylee told anchor David Muir. “I just kept praying out loud for the Lord to give her strength.”
Robert Montgomery told Muir he believed it was a perfect way for Kaylee to conclude her high school cross-country career.
“As a dad, what a great way for your daughter to finish her high school career—helping someone, encouraging them,” he said.
Worthington, who had never met Kaylee, told Muir she was grateful.
“If she hadn’t stopped and picked me up, I would have been crawling across the finish line,” Worthington said. “It’s a great reminder that good things are happening, and it’s a wonderful example of the spirit of the sport.”
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