What a joke: Visually impaired runners loses Paralympic marathon medal after trying to help her guide who cramped up (video)

Absolutely mental. No common sense in this ruling.

"Clifford, 25, finished third in the men’s 5000-meter T13 final Aug. 31,
but he was disqualified from the bronze because he released his tether
from his guide runner before crossing the finish line, according to the Paralympics Australia website."

today.com

Paralympic runner disqualified due to 'critical mistake' before 3rd place finish

TodayShow

Jaryd Clifford says he's "devastated" after finishing the race in the bronze medal position.

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That really sucks, but seems like it's a hard rule without any wiggle room. I'd really feel like sh#t if I were the guide, like I really let her down.

This should lead to a rule change. Make it so the runner cannot advance from the point that the rope is dropped until a grip is reestablished. Or, judges could also issue a time penalty, such as sticky bottle or drafting too long behind a car in professional cycling.

To me this feels similar to a case where an athlete runs a step on the inside of the rail on the track because they were pushed by another athlete. Unplanned, no advantage, and probably safer than not technically committing an infraction. I hope they can dispute this and restore her medal.

Agree with the points above regarding the rule being ridiculous, but where did she get the guide? He was clearly slowing her down even before the tether issue. Your guide should not be your weak link if you care about time.

Its very unfair. Her guide's legs cramped up,and she had to help him finish .

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Why are they so strict about the rule you must hold onto the ribbon connecting you to your guide at all times?

IN case you missed, a Spanish runner was all by herself coming in for the bronze in the marathon. Her guide was cramping up badly and it wasn't clear if he was going got make it to the finish line. She was like stopping to help him and momentarily let go for like a half second maybe 5 meters from the finish line.

No one else was close to her. Can't we have some common sense? This would be like calling pass interference on a pass that is uncatchable.

Watch the video here:

Articles:

telegraph.co.uk

Paralympic guide vows to ‘fight injustice’ after his cramp caused runner to lose medal

‘Bald hairdresser’ Mia Carol insists he will not give up hope of overturning decision to disqualify Spanish runner Elena Congost

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nytimes.com

Paralympic Marathoner Loses Medal After Helping Her Guide Yards From Finish

By Victor Mather

A visually impaired runner briefly let go of the tether to her guide after he cramped near the finish line, costing her a bronze medal.

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That is so unfair.

This ruling is against the spirit of the Paralympics.

I agree. That ruling is disrespectful to everybody.

Pretty heartless. One thing I am aware of is that the officials and planners have to consider the posibility that, if they grant forgiveness in breaches of rules to disabled athletes, that can look like subtle discrimination. Its a subtle but strong consideration: by not holding diabled (or whatever euphemism is fashionable) to the rules theyd be granting special consideration. But maybe its better than the old "give everybody medals, theyre all winners" sort of thing which really was discriminatory.

Who was guiding who? She looked quite capable in the role.

Is there a petition we can sign?

I'm concerned about that thing on his chin.

Theyre not faking it. Elena and others like her are legally blind. The tunisian male gold medallist,and moroccan female gold medallist are legally blind,but not totally blind. They both have enough vision to run without guides.