Japan’s Hiroto Inoue was yesterday accused of pushing Bahrain’s Elhassan Elabbassi and denying him gold as controversy overshadowed the end of the Asian Games marathon.
Both athletes had complaints rejected by race officials after they made contact during a thrilling sprint finish, which Inoue won by a fraction of a second.
At the end of the 42km race through Jakarta’s streets, the two runners entered the stadium in Jakarta neck and neck before Inoue opened up a small lead.
In the final 100m, Elabbassi attempted to overtake on the inside, but fell back after apparent contact.
“The number one [leader] pushed me,” Elabbassi said. “I would have won.”
Speaking to reporters after the race, Inoue said he did not know what had happened, but had been “surprised” by the contact.
Japan’s team later reported Elabbassi for attempting to overtake on the inside when there was no gap.
Referee Vadim Nigmatov rejected both teams’ complaints to leave Inoue with the gold medal.
Each side has the right to appeal.
Elabbassi’s coach, Gregory Kilonzo, said his athlete had been deliberately pushed by Inoue and “almost went down.”
“The Japan guy, when he saw he was almost overtaken, he decided to push,” Kilonzo said.
Both athletes were credited with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds, with pre-race favorite Inoue crossing the line marginally ahead.
Duo Bujie, a Chinese athlete from Tibet who took to marathon running after a childhood spent herding yaks, finished 26 seconds further back to take bronze.
The winning time was the slowest at an Asian Games since 1982 in New Delhi, as the runners struggled with Jakarta’s baking heat and stifling humidity, despite a 6am start time.
Thailand’s Tony Payne, who placed eighth, said there was some confusion before the start of the race, as the first athletics event of the Asian Games experienced some teething problems.
“They made us run for the start line, because we were running a little bit late,” New Zealand-born Payne said. “We were all walking down and they were like: ‘Run! Run for the start.’”
“It was pretty hectic. They made us run an extra warm-up,” he added.
The silver won by Morocco-born Elabbassi was Bahrain’s first medal in Indonesia.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely