paralympics marathon runner disqualified : In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Spanish marathon runner Elena Congost was disqualified from what seemed to be a sure bronze medal finish just two meters from the finish line. Congost, 36, had clocked a personal best time of 3:00:48 in the T12 marathon event, placing her in third position. However, a rule infraction led to the cancellation of her achievement.
Congost disqualification stemmed from a violation of Rule 9.7.5, which mandates that all T12 marathon competitors must remain tethered to their guides throughout the race. Unfortunately, as she approached the final stretch, Congost momentarily released the rope connecting her to her guide, Mia Carol, while attempting to support Carol, who was falling. This action was deemed a breach of the regulations, resulting in Congost disqualification.
Reacting to the decision, Congost expressed her frustration and disappointment, saying, It unfair, surreal… The next athlete was three minutes behind me. It was just a reflex action that any human being would have done holding on to someone who is falling… But that doesn’t mean that there is any kind of benefit or help. In fact, it is clear that I stop dead. She further lamented, I can’t find any explanation for this. It sad because, in addition, I had just been without a scholarship. And I’m not going to get one now. They will leave me out of everything again when I have shown everything I can do… I have not been disqualified for cheating, but for being a person, for helping someone.
The gold medal in the women T12 marathon went to Fatima El Idrissi with a record-setting time of 2:48.36, while Moroccan runner Meryem En-Nourhi secured the silver. In the men T54 marathon, Wajdi Boukhili emerged victorious, and Marcel Hug of Switzerland clinched his first gold medal of the Games in the men T12 marathon.
Congost disqualification has sparked a wave of sympathy and debate within the Paralympic community, underscoring the tension between strict adherence to rules and the compassionate instincts that drive athletes to support each other. As the Games continue, her story remains a poignant reminder of the human element behind the world-class performances.
