Halifax gymnast Ellie Black wins Olympic sportsmanship award

Halifax gymnast Ellie Black says she feels honoured after winning an Olympic award that recognizes athletes who exemplify sportsmanship, the spirit of fair play and respect for others.

The International Fair Play Committee and the International Olympic Committee announced Wednesday that Black was the recipient of the Paris 2024 Fair Play Award.

"I think it's just truly incredible and I'm incredibly honoured," the four-time Olympian told CBC News in an interview Wednesday, just after a training session in her hometown.

"I think it really shows what the true meaning of sport is in the Olympics and bringing people together and the sportsmanship, really looking out for everyone as an individual, as a human being first."

Black was at the Alta Gymnastics club in Halifax on Wednesday when she found out she was getting the award.

"One of the other athletes in the gym, he had seen it online and I didn't have my phone on me so I hadn't gotten any calls or seen any notifications or anything and I thought he was kind of joking," Black said.

"So that was special just to find out and be here with the team and the athletes training and the coaches and just to be able to soak up that moment here at home in Halifax was truly incredible."

Athletes and fans submitted nominations for the award on social media and a jury with representatives from the IOC and the International Fair Play Committee then selected a shortlist of finalists. The final decision was made by public vote, which garnered tens of thousands of responses.

"We are thrilled to see Ellie Black receive this well-deserved recognition," said Jeno Kamuti, president of the fair play committee. "Her example serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and