Determined also-ran shows spirit

Federico Bruno joins the list of those to have embodied the Olympic spirit in Rio. Eagle-eyed viewers tuning in to see the also-rans complete the men’s marathon may have noticed the Argentinian side-shuffling in the final 500 metres, pain etched all over his face due to cramp. He may have crossed the line in 137th but his sheer will and determination to complete his race showed immense fortitude.

PRESSING ON Staying with the men’s marathon and Meb Keflezighi finished more than 100 places higher up, despite slipping and falling just inches from the finish line. Eager to let everyone know he was fine, the Eritrean-born American, 41, did three quick press-ups before getting up and completing his race to place 33rd.

BLISTERING PACE Andrew Butchart set a new personal best of 13 minutes 8.61 seconds to

finish sixth in the men’s 5,000 metres final and it seems it did not come without a cost. Badminton player Rajiv Ouseph tweeted a picture of a left foot with a nasty looking, and sizeable, blister along with the caption: “@andybutchart91 enjoy tonight”, which was retweeted by the long-distance runner.

WINTER RAIN The media conference to promote the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games was delayed yesterday due to inclement weather. The rain in Rio saw the PyeongChang organising committee delayed in arriving at the press centre. They did promise there would be plenty of snow and ice at the most technologically savvy Olympics yet in 18 months’ time.

Andrew Butchart: PB came at a cost for the Scot.