Aug. 7 (UPI) — More than a dozen elite runners crashed and fell on the track in qualifying for the Paris 2024 men’s 5,000 meters final on Wednesday in Saint-Denis, France.
Britain’s George Mills gave the impression of having touched Frenchman Hugo Hay in the first incident. He then spun to his right, hitting Spanish Thierry Ndikumwenayo and several other runners, forcing them to fall on the track.
Mike Foppen of the Netherlands was one of those who suffered the most damage. First he tripped and completely overturned on the track. He remained on his back until he stood up again.
The three Kenyans, Jacob Krop, Edwin Kurgat and Ronald Kwemoi, have qualified and will qualify for the men’s 5,000m final, but there is drama towards the end of the first carrera. pic. twitter. com/tqBAv38kJR— Wanjiku Reports (@WanjikuReports) August 7, 2024
Norwegian Narve Gilje won the heat with a time of 14:08. 16. Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet and Belgian John Heymas finished second and third respectively. American Graham Blanks, sixth, also qualified.
After the series, Mills and Hay had a heated exchange. Mills also said Hay “took me out. “
MADNESS over the 5,000m heats up as Jakob Ingebrigtsen qualifies for the final. #ParisOlympics
USA Network and Peacock pic. twitter. com/X9jscrqi0c— NBC Olympics
The runners were involved in another collision during the race, but it was minor, and only one athlete fell to the ground. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen won this round. American Grant Fisher was among the other qualifiers.
The men’s 5,000-meter final will take place at 1:50 p. m. EDT on Saturday at the Stade de France.