Marathon bronze medallist collapses on stage in China, but prize giving continues
- Organisers of Liupanshui International Marathon say attending awards presentation is an honour for the winners
- They say the bronze medallist is fine and has promised to come back next year
Bronze medallist Alemaz Negede of Ethiopia collapsed on the stage, apparently exhausted, at the Liupanshui International Marathon awards presentation in Guizhou province over the weekend.
However, organisers did not stop the ceremony to attend to the athlete as the guest of honour continued the presentation to the two other winners.
Organisers later said Negede suffered cramps in her leg but insisted on attending the ceremony.
“She was not able to stand for the whole ceremony,” said organisers. “She had not fainted but was just too tired. There was a medical team on standby and we immediately called them to the stage after the ceremony. The athlete said she was fine but we still sent her to hospital as a precaution.
“Attending the prize ceremony is an honour for the athletes and we hope they can hang in there. That’s our major consideration.”
Organisers said Negede had recovered quickly in a hotel that night.