Australian distance runner Patrick Tiernan collapsed twice in the closing stages of a 10,000m final on the opening night of Olympics track and field, before bravely picking himself up to finish the race.
The event took place in intense humidity and the 26-year-old had run strongly through the opening 24 of 25 laps to maintain a top 10 position before the conditions got the better of him.
At the 100m mark of the last 400m his head fell forward. By halfway he was staggering and he fell when he reached the bend.
“He was disorientated and went sideways before he went forwards in the manner of a concussed football player,” reported The Age.
“But he was not concussed, he was exhausted. He had run himself past his limit. He fell again. Again he got up.
“He was going to finish. His was a performance that drew applause in an empty stadium. It was as brave a run as you’ll see at an Olympics. He got to the line.”
Tiernan was taken away for treatment, having finished 26th in a season best time of 28:35.06.
Selemon Barega of Ethiopia won in 27:43.22 seconds to upset world champion and world-record holder Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda. Cheptegei took the silver medal and Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda was third.
Greg Jones
Guest
Maybe he shouldn't have been running it? He did the same thing at Commonwealth Games.
vonManstein
Roar Rookie
That performance and display of pure determination, is as important as any medal win in my eyes. Truly inspirational stuff. Patrick, you’ve done yourself and your country proud!
jamesb
Roar Guru
Sometimes you don't need a medal to be appreciated.
JGK
Roar Guru
He still did that last lap faster than I would have done, even without having run 9600m at elite pace before that.
Spanish Mick
Roar Rookie
Fought so hard to stay with that pack of favourites the whole race. Epic run, left nothing in the tank.
AGO74
Guest
100% courage and commitment.
Daveski 2.0
Roar Rookie
Immense. The race of his life for 9750m went to hell in the last 250m. He was beaten by others but in the end not by the race itself. Magnificent.