A country in the midst of political and economic crises, Brazil has had little more than hosting the Olympics to celebrate.

Yet when rare heartwarming acts occur during competition, like when the German twins who completed a marathon hand in hand, the athletes received a backlash for their lack of competitive spirit. In the German twins’ case, their country’s very own athletic federation director said they should treat the Olympics “more seriously.”

His comment was largely unnecessary, bearing in mind how many other athletes from different countries have acted in a similar manner and yet haven’t been insulted in such a public way. Instead of criticizing marathon runners for holding hands while crossing the finish line, onlookers should instead encourage and support such inspiring acts.