European Champion Lobalu Falls After a Scuffle
The 25-year-old falls in the heat of the 5000 meters on the last lap – not his fault. Lobalu is inconsolable. But: He gets a second chance.
Drama in the final meters: Dominic Lobalu and other 5000-meter runners fall on the homestretch.
Video: SRF
Normally, Dominic Lobalu can speed up on the last lap. He has shown these qualities many times, most recently in June at the European Championship in Rome, where he won bronze in the 5000 meters and even triumphed in the double distance.
However, during the heat of the 5000 meters at Stade de France, the refugee, who has been living in Switzerland since 2019, experiences drama. On the last lap, British runner George Mills stumbles after a scuffle and takes several runners down with him, including Lobalu. As a result, the 25-year-old, who cannot compete for Switzerland at the Olympics and runs for the Refugee Team, finishes only 15th. Thus, he would miss the final – due to an unintentional fall.
Dominic Lobalu (on the ground in the white jersey) falls together with three others in the final meters of the 5000-meter race.
Photo: Anne-Christine Poujoulat (AFP)
This was initiated by Hugo Hay. The Frenchman says: “I was told that I pushed. But I was surprised by that because I felt nothing. But if that was the case, I apologize.” Lobalu appears inconsolable after the race. With blood on his hands and tears in his eyes, he says: “I wanted so badly to run in such a big race. And now I can’t fulfill my dream.”
However, shortly after the race, there is relief. The judges ensure that the crash victims Lobalu, Mills, Mike Foppen (NED), and Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) can still compete in Saturday’s final for gold.
More about the Olympics
Newsletter
Olympics Today
Get a daily update with the most important news and most exciting stories about the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
More newsletters
Log in
Found a mistake? Report it now.
7 comments