Kimi Raikkonen’s gesture to a crying young fan at the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix is in the running for the ‘Best Sporting Moment of the Year’ at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Shortly after Kimi was forced to retire from the race, due to a Turn 1 incident, television cameras showed six-year-old Thomas Danel crying, with the footage spreading quickly across the most important social media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter.
Scuderia Ferrari then tracked Danel down, inviting him and his family into the paddock, where the Finnish driver handed the youngster a signed cap and posed for a photograph: “This has been the most fantastic day for us” – Thomas’ mother Coralie admitted – “we could not believe it when they came to get us and took us to Ferrari. This is great for fans like us, it really makes Formula One and all of its people come alive. Brilliant!”
Laureus has now included the moment in its search for sport’s most emotional moment. Each month, from August to December, the public can select their favourite from a shortlist of six videos, put together by sporting legends at the Laureus World Sports Academy. After this, the five monthly winners will then go head-to-head in a final public vote, with the winner being announced at the 2018 Laureus Awards Ceremony. At the time of writing, Kimi Raikkonen’s gesture held 50 per cent of the votes, five per cent clear of Barcelona’s comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
You can vote Kimi on the official Laureus website (click here to access the official Laureus site)
August contenders:
Race For Peace – Afghan skiers compete in the World Championships for the first time
Run For Rights – Kathrine Switzer runs Boston Marathon again 50 years after her historic first run
More Than A Club – FC Barcelona complete an incredible comeback against Paris Saint-Germain
The Unlikely Hero – Jamarion Styles scores three pointers, despite losing his arms at a young age
Heartbreaking Farewell – Francesco Totti bids an emotional farewell after final game for AS Roma
Tears Turn Into Smiles – A tearful Thomas Danel meets his hero, Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen
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