A MARATHON RUNNER’S dramatic collapse struck a sour note on the last day of the Commonwealth Games as hosts Australia finished runaway winners on the medals table with 80 golds.
Organisers defended the medical response but criticised bystanders for snapping pictures of a stricken Callum Hawkins, who keeled over two kilometres from victory.
In temperatures nudging 30 degrees Celsius in Gold Coast, Scotland’s Hawkins wobbled and went down twice, lying prone for some time before help arrived.
The 25-year-old struggled to his feet to continue but was clearly in distress and shortly afterwards, with just over a two kilometers to go, he stumbled heavily into a roadside barrier, banging his head as he fell.
There was an anxious wait before any assistance reached Hawkins, by which time Australia’s Michael Shelley was passing the scene on his way to winning gold.
“I like many others was distressed to see a wonderful athlete like Callum collapse during the closing stages of today’s marathon,” said chief organiser Mark Peters.
“I was also concerned about the behaviour of a small number of bystanders who chose to take images. This is not in keeping with the spirit of GC2018.”
TV commentators and viewers blasted Hawkins’ wait for medical assistance, with the BBC’s Steve Cram labeling it ‘a disgrace,’ while many also criticised the bystanders who took pictures and filmed on their phones.
Marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe tweeted that there were “big questions” for the organising committee and medical staff.
“That should never happen,” she said.
Hawkins was taken to hospital in an ambulance, where he was sitting up and talking and not thought to be in serious danger, Team Scotand said.
Medical staff with radios were posted every 500 metres along the course, the organising committee said, adding that medical help was given to Hawkins when he requested it.
Under marathon rules, runners are disqualified if they accept medical aid. Peters said help arrived “within agreed response guidelines and time-frames”.
Seven of the 24 starters failed to complete the race, including Tanzania’s Saidi Juma Makula, who collapsed close to the finish line before being helped into an ambulance.
Another Tanzania runner, Stephano Huche Gwandu, took a tumble as he crossed the finish line and was helped into a wheelchair.
After retaining his Commonwealth title, Shelley said he had also been struggling with the hot conditions.
“I wasn’t sure what was going on,” the Australian said, about seeing Hawkins in trouble.
“I had a couple of mates around Main Beach who said Callum was in a bit of trouble. They told me to keep going and gave me encouragement.
“I saw him and just tried to hang on. When I was coming down the home straight I tried to accelerate but I was just gone.”
“I’m glad to be finished to be honest,” added Shelley. “I thought hopefully I can get to the finish line because I was starting to get cramps in my hands.”
Shelley won the race in two hours, 16 minutes and 46 seconds with Uganda’s Munyo Solomon Mutai taking silver (2:19:02) and Scotland’s Robbie Simpson bronze (2:19:36).
Helalia Johannes won the women’s race in 2:32.40, becoming Namibia’s first female gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games.
The hosts concluded the 11-day Games, involving 71 nations and territories, with 80 gold medals, way ahead of England’s 45 and India’s 26. The tally also includes para events.
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Excellent player for Ireland, should never have been offered or accepted the Ireland job.
@Ferg: I completely disconnect the two Stans now to be honest, took a while though. He was a hero of mine at Liverpool before Souness shifted him and was a star for Villa. He deserves recognition for being a legend on the field!
Great player, what a international and club career.
Legend of irish football.
The burnt head on him in USA 94.
Legend of Irish football,,,sums up Irish football!!
@Paul Owens: what do you mean by that? Staunton was a fabulous footballer.
@Paul Owens: obviously a die hard fan who knows his football.
If you can’t tell, I’m being sarcastic.
@Alan Roddy: How will I put this,,,he was dire,,,and I do know my football my standards are v v high,, sorry most Irish footballers are not great by international standards,,it’s v obvious,,going on for years and can’t see it changing for a long time,,,sorry if u don’t like it,,I know it’s hard,,ah well
@Paul Owens: don’t feed the troll people.
@Kevin O Sullivan: Fair enough kevin
@Paul Owens: What are you talking about? He played in a Liverpool side that was runners up and then league title winners in 89 and 90, he was 20 years old and absolutely excellent at left back, especially while Hansen was out in 89. He was only sold to Villa due to the European rule at the time and when Souness was butchering the side. At Villa he was excellent. A top, top player for club and country. Don’t rewrite history.
@Local Ore: scored a great goal against United in 93
@Mattress Dick: His hat trick in the cup for Liverpool was iconic! It wasn’t a major cup or a top team but it was amazing for a left back to do it! What a left peg he had, we talk about Andy Robertson now but Stan was that level and sometimes above. Even when he came back he was class all the way!
@Paul Owens: like the way you think
@Alan Roddy: Well Alan its time to book a trip to specksavers
@Paul Owens: proper end of a bell you are, go away and try follow a different sport. If you think stan was anything other that a top footballer you don’t have a clue…
One of the best left pegs that ever graced the pitch.gave it his all out on the pitch
Delaney’s first victim…..
“Would you let him drive the train to Cork Bill?” Eamon Dunphy to the late great Bill O’Herlihy on Stans inexperience for the job. I cannot find this clip anywhere but it has always stuck in my memory.
One of the greats of football.claass act
Great player.Hopeless and clueless manager
Jaysis, where did the S*n find a journalist to send dressed as Miss Piggy? Are we even sure it was a journalist?