September 13th 2024.
Elena Congost, a Spanish marathon runner, recently experienced a heartbreaking turn of events at the Paralympics in Paris. She was disqualified from the women's T12 marathon event and denied a bronze medal, despite finishing in third place with a personal best time of 3:00:48.
Congost's disqualification came after she let go of the tether connecting her to her guide, Mia Carol, just a few meters from the finish line. This was a violation of Paralympic rules, which state that athletes cannot physically touch their guides or let go of their tether.
Despite Spain's appeal against the decision, it was denied and the bronze medal went to Japan's Misato Michishita, who had finished over three minutes behind Congost. This was a devastating blow for Congost, as she revealed that the loss of the bronze medal also meant losing out on €30,000 in prize money and her monthly salary, which she uses to support her family.
"It hurt me the most because that gesture cost me €30,000. Athletics is my passion, but I also do it to provide for my family and have economic stability. It's my job and nobody works for free. You can't survive on nothing," Congost shared in an interview with ABC.
She had put in a tremendous effort over the past year, balancing her role as a mother of four with her training, in order to achieve financial stability for her family. However, in one moment, all of her hard work and sacrifices seemed to have been for nothing.
But what truly added salt to the wound was the fact that it was a member of Japan's team who had spotted the infringement and reported it to the race judges. Congost admits that she doesn't know if the Japanese athlete was aware of the situation or if she was told that the Spanish athlete had cheated. And in that situation, Congost says she wouldn't have accepted the bronze medal either.
"I wouldn't have accepted a medal in her place. Also, this athlete cheated because images have been seen, but this is not up to me. It's not my responsibility," Congost explained.
As a mother of four who had recently returned to running after a hiatus, Congost's actions on the racecourse were a testament to her selflessness. She had prioritized helping her guide, who had suffered from cramp, over securing a medal for herself. And she doesn't regret that decision.
"I may regret not having thought of walking, but now there is no turning back. You don't see this coming," Congost said.
She also expressed her disappointment in the lack of consequences for other athletes who were seen cheating during the Paralympics. "We have seen cheating every day in the Olympic Stadium with blind athletes being dragged by their guides, who are much bigger and stronger. And yet, they were not disqualified," she stated.
Despite the unfairness of her situation, Congost remains proud of her performance and her teammate, Mia Carol. She also hopes that her experience will bring attention to the issue of cheating in Paralympic events and spark a change in the rules to reflect the true spirit of the sport.
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