Where were the medics? Anger as runner left to suffer after fall
AUSTRALIAN race organisers must explain why a British marathon runner was left collapsed in the road while supporters took pictures, the team boss has demanded.
Callum Hawkins was leading the Commonwealth Games marathon by two minutes when he collapsed not far from the finish line.
He was left lying in the 30C heat until Australian Michael Shelley – the local favourite from the Gold Coast – had passed him to take gold.
Paul Bush, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said it had formally raised the issue with the Gold Coast organising committee.
The fact Hawkins was left lying in the road for two minutes before paramedics arrived to take him to hospital provoked anger from those watching, including marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe.
She said it left “big questions” for organisers and medics, adding: “That should never happen.”
Hawkins started to stagger as he took a bend at 39km before he fell to the ground.
He eventually managed to struggle back to his feet before collapsing again at 40km on the Sundale Bridge and banging his head on the railings.
Mr Bush told the BBC: “We have some concerns. The concern is the amount of time it took (for medics to get to Hawkins).
“We’re fully aware of the IAAF rules in terms of how the athlete has to declare himself unfit to compete, but he was in trouble for a long time and fell twice. We hoped people would have got to him quicker because the second time he fell, he was in serious trouble. We were extremely worried.”
As Hawkins lay waiting for help, some spectators took photographs – a move condemned by Mark Peters, chief of the organising committee.
“I was concerned about the behaviour of a small number of bystanders who chose to take images,” he said. “This is not in keeping with the spirit of GC2018.” Mr Peters said the athletes’ health was their top priority and medical staff were posted every 500m along the marathon course.
Hawkins, 25, was taken to hospital, where he is now sitting up and talking to his family. There are “no major concerns” for his health.
In a message, he thanked fans and hospital staff, adding: “I am now feeling much better.”
Team Scotland said: “Words can’t express what we felt; having seen him take that nearly two-minute lead, then he started to wobble down at the beach.
“It was incredibly distressing and very tragic for him and we’re just pleased that he’s now safe and well.”
Hawkins has received messages of support from across the world, including from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said: “He’s a brilliant athlete and I’ve no doubt we’ll see him competing at the highest level for a long time to come.”
Marathon rules state that a runner can only be given medical assistance when they ask for it. If they are helped to their feet they are disqualified.
However, commentating on the BBC, former middle distance runner Steve Cram said: “This is a guy in real distress and someone needs to recognise it for his health. Where on earth is the help? You cannot just wait at the finish line. I think it’s disgraceful.”
Spectators also reacted with fury. Lee Mcconnell, Former GB and Scottish 400m and 4 x 400m athlete, said: “So upset to see Callum Hawkins collapse but glad to read he is recovering well. Horrible to see people just standing watching him in such distress and not helping, some actually taking picture is a disgrace.”