In late 2008, a jogger saved Mike Wise's life after he'd fallen through the ice on the C&O Canal while trying to save his dog.

Freezing and out of breath, Wise asked him his name and where he worked.

"Jason. Jason Coates," he said. "I'm in law school at GW." And he took off again — like some superhero who just shows up when people are in dire need.

Six years later, the sports columnist got to repay him.

(WATCH the video below, or READ the story in the Washington Post)

Photo of Canal by Zach Stern (CC) – Story tip from Michele