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.
Absolutely ridiculous and brutal finish in the 10,000m final. Exhausted Aussie Pat Tiernan ran an awesome race, dropped off on the last lap then collapsed with 50m to go. Got back up to cross the line. Incredible. #Athletics#Tokyo2020pic.twitter.com/AhTK1peIkG
“He was disorientated and went sideways before he went forwards in the manner of a concussed football player,” reported The Age.
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“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.
How gutsy was that from Patrick Tiernan? The Australian hung tough with the leaders of the 10,000m before coming unstuck over the final lap – collapsing in the home straight before picking himself up and willing himself across the line. Determination personified. #TokyoTogetherpic.twitter.com/Q5TFv5QUiq
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.