A French racewalker demonstrated just how much resolve is required to survive the pace of the Olympics, during the 50km final earlier today.
Yohann Diniz lead for the majority of the race, extending his lead to over a minute a one point. But as the temperature soared to north of 30 degrees in Rio, Diniz started to fade and eventually collapsed due to health issues which surfaced during the race.
A typical race of this distance can last for up to four hours and without access to any toilet facilities during that time, athletes often have to relieve themselves mid-competition.
Diniz succumbed to that unfortunate plight of long distance racing when the gastroenteritis he was battling kicked in during the final of the 50km.
More worryingly, he also appeared to pass blood, with only a sponge in his possession to clean himself.
He persevered through the agony however, despite an apparent bout of diarrhoea, but the setbacks didn't end there for him.
Yohann Diniz shat, walked, collapsed, and still finished 8th. Who was 9th?! #Rio2016 #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/ROysJdI4l7
— Tyler Richardson (@Ty1erRichardson) August 19, 2016
The world record holder also collapsed momentarily before getting back up, with the help of a competitor, to finish the race.
He lost his place at the front of the pack and eventually finished in eighth place, more than five minutes behind the winner from Slovakia.
50 km race walking. Fair play — Evan Dunfee (117) & Yohann Diniz (150). #Athletics #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/z0psEkbstK
— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) August 19, 2016
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