A DORSET Olympian has provided one of the most heart-warming moments of the Olympic Games in Rio.

Nikki Hamblin, who studied at Wey Valley School in Weymouth and is a former member of Dorchester Athletics Club, was competing for New Zealand in the heats for the 5,000m when she collided with American athlete Abbey D’Agostino four laps before the end of the race.

Nikki was in a pack of runners when she fell forwards, causing her American counterpart to fall to the ground behind her. D’Agostino, in visible pain, helped Nikki to her feet and the pair continued to run, until D’Agostino again went to ground. Nikki turned back to help the competitor to her feet and both were able to finish the race, embracing on the finish line before the American was helped away in a wheelchair.

Colin Hamblin, Nikki’s father, told the Echo that he was “enormously proud” of his daughter for her actions.

He added: “It was a real human touch to the Games.

“We started to see the press stories and it is absolutely phenomenal the way this has taken off.

“It is part of the real spirit of being there competing. It is an inspiration to others.

“My wife and I were both watching and you cannot describe the emotion. It is such an awesome moment.

Colin added that it was “tremendously humbling” to see his daughter being part of something so special.

He said: “There has been so much negative stuff about athletics, so this is really an iconic moment in the Games.

“It just proves people can work together and help one another out.”

Nikki ran for Dorchester Athletics Club when she lived in Dorset and club secretary Mike Furse praised her for the remarkable display of sportsmanship.

He said: “It was really heart-warming. It was a very touching moment and it personified the Olympic ideal.

“I am very pleased to say that Dorchester Athletics Club takes enormous pride in Nikki’s achievements.

“She is so determined and such a focused athlete to come through all the bad luck.”

Despite finishing last in the race, both runners have been added to the 5,000m final in the wake of the fervent reaction to their touching Olympic moment.