The European athletics champion who apologizes for the scene that shames the sport

BarcelonaEmbarrassing scene this Sunday in the final of the 60 meter hurdles of the European athletics championship that was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Start the test. The athletes move forward, fast, overcoming the fences with their long legs. They pass the first four, but when they reach the fifth and last, the Valencian athlete Quique Llopis suffers a spectacular fall. He falls to the ground and violently hits his head and shoulder. The magnitude of the fall silences the stadium, because the state athlete is on the ground, practically motionless.

Then, the scene of shame occurs: the rest of the runners practically ignore it. Especially the champion of the test, the Swiss Jason Joseph, who passes by Llopis celebrating his victory. He gestures effusively, smiles at the camera and is practically oblivious to what is going on around him. He acts as if nothing happened.

This behavior has gone viral on social networks and has received numerous criticisms, including that of former professional athlete and current Podemos candidate for mayor of Madrid, Roberto Sotomayor. “I am ashamed of the attitude of the other athletes, who have been unable to approach to ask what was happening with the Spanish athlete. What an unfortunate attitude,” he tweeted.

Luckily, the medical services of the Spanish Athletics Federation did not take long to intervene and attended to Llopis quickly. After a few hours, he himself announced from the hospital that he was fine. “I’ve been tested and I’m fine. I appreciate all the love and support,” he said in a video.

Jason Joseph’s apology

Finally, Joseph reacted and wanted to apologize through a message that he published at stories – they last 24 hours – from his Instagram profile, where he has nearly 8,500 followers. The European 60m hurdles champion explained that he was “blocked” after winning the gold.

“First things first. I’m sorry I didn’t check that you were okay. I was lost in the moment. Totally isolated from what was around me. I hope you’re okay, see you at the outdoor competitions,” he wrote, under a photograph of Llopis.