French runner Alessia Zarbo collapsed during the women’s 10,000-meter final on Friday in a scary scene at the Paris Olympics.
Zarbo, 22, was tended to mid-race and eventually taken off in a stretcher as the other runners circled on the track.
The crowd at the Stade de France in Paris cheered in support as Zarbo was carried off.
“We have a runner down. I think that’s the Frenchwoman Alessia Zarbo,” a broadcaster said after her collapse. “It is quite humid and quite sticky and maybe the whole emotion of the occasion has got her as well.”
RMC Sport, a French outlet, reported that Zarbo is “is feeling better and recovering.”
Beatrice Chebet of Kenya would go on to win the race just days after she took gold in the 5,000-meter on Monday.
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti took silver while the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan won bronze.
The injury is just the latest in what has been a troubling week on the track for some 2024 Olympics athletes.
The harrowing incident comes two days after Ethiopian runner Lamecha Girma was stretchered off during the 3000-meter men’s steeplechase after falling as he attempted to clear a hurdle on the final lap of the event.
Girma appeared to hit his head and laid motionless as other runners finished the race.
On Thursday, Germany’s Sophie Weissenberg reportedly tore her Achilles during warmups for her first heptathlon event and Olympics debut and was later taken off in a wheelchair.
The Paris Olympics witnessed another dramatic moment as French runner Alessia Zarbo collapsed during the women’s 10,000-meter final. The incident, which unfolded in front of a packed crowd at the Stade de France, sent shockwaves through the athletics world. Zarbo, just 22 years old, was attended to by medical staff before being stretchered off the track. The collective gasp from the spectators was followed by a round of applause as Zarbo was carried to safety.Despite the scary scene, there was a silver lining to the incident. Reports from RMC Sport indicate that Zarbo is on the road to recovery and is feeling better. The outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes alike has been heartwarming to see.In the midst of the chaos, Beatrice Chebet of Kenya emerged victorious in the race, adding another gold medal to her collection after winning the 5,000-meter event earlier in the week. She was joined on the podium by Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, who claimed silver and bronze, respectively.Unfortunately, Zarbo’s collapse is not an isolated incident at the 2024 Olympics. Just days prior, Ethiopian runner Lamecha Girma suffered a frightening fall during the 3000-meter men’s steeplechase, resulting in him being stretchered off the track. The following day, Germany’s Sophie Weissenberg experienced a devastating injury during warmups for her heptathlon event, forcing her to withdraw from the competition.These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the physical and mental toll that elite athletes endure in pursuit of Olympic glory. As fans, it is important to continue supporting and cheering on these incredible individuals as they push themselves to the limits of human performance. Stay tuned for more updates on the Paris Olympics, and join us as we celebrate the resilience and determination of these inspiring athletes.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
