World's best race walker amazingly stays in race despite suffering 'intestinal problems' mid-race and passing out
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Yohan Diniz of France suffered a cruel fate in the 50km race walk at the Rio Olympics, but somehow found the strength to keep going and finish the race.
Diniz, the world record-holder in the 50km event, suffered intense "intestinal problems" early in the race and later was forced to stop multiple times, including once where it appeared that he passed out. And yet, each time, Diniz kept going.
Diniz didn't win a medal, but it was a courageous effort.
Things started early when Diniz jumped out to an early lead. However, cameras zoomed in on his legs and it appeared that he was suffering from diarrhea, or as the announcers called it, "intestinal problems," something that is not unheard of in long-distance events.
NBC
Diniz even went so far as to shove a sponge down his shorts.
NBC
Still, Diniz seemed to be cruising, building a huge lead about 2 hours into the 3.5-hour race.
NBC
But then trouble struck.
Diniz was forced to stop. The announcers speculated that he would not be able to continue. It would be a terrible result for Diniz who competed in this event in both 2008 and 2012 and failed to finish both times.
NBC
Amazingly, he kept going, thanks to the encouragement of Canadian Evan Dunfee who urged Diniz to keep going.
However, Diniz's lead was gone.
NBC
But then Diniz passed out in what was a scary scene.
NBC
Race workers reached Diniz, giving him water and ice.
Incredibly, he kept going after this!
NBC
It wouldn't be easy though. Diniz stopped several more times.
And yet, other race walkers continued to encourage him to keep going.
NBC
The last time NBC showed Diniz, he was literally walking on the side of the course, but he had not given up.
NBC
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- DRDO develops lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level
- Sensex, Nifty climb in early trade on firm global market trends
- Nonprofit Business Models
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report