Australian marathon runner Sinead Diver has blamed “on-line vitriol” for contributing to her exit from the Olympic race after 1200 metres of the 42km race.
Diver, 47, was Australia’s quickest qualifier of three runners entered within the race however has acknowledged she struggled with accidents throughout her preparation. She withdrew with cramps in her quad muscle tissues.
Sinead Diver. (Photograph by Getty Pictures)
The choice for the ladies’s marathon had been enveloped in controversy when Lisa Weightman missed out on the crew regardless of operating a sooner qualifying time than the chosen Jess Stenson, who completed thirteenth in Paris.
The opposite athlete picked Gen Gregson who completed twenty fourth.
Diver’s withdrawal reignited controversy surrounding the choice, with questions requested why Athletics Australia usher in Weightman with Diver battling damage.
Diver posted on social media that she was match sufficient to take her place within the area regardless of coping with a plantar fasciitis damage in her foot.
“I’m completely devastated to have needed to dnf at my second Olympic Video games. I used to be coping with a plantar problem within the lead in to this race. It was manageable and I used to be coaching, match and able to race. That had nothing to do with why I pulled out,” Diver wrote on Instagram.
“Within the warm-up, my quads began to spasm with none warning. I hoped it might resolve as I began operating however it didn’t and so they seized up throughout the first km to the purpose that I couldn’t bend my knees. I don’t totally perceive what’s triggered this.
“The lead in to this race has been some of the difficult occasions of my life. The vitriol on-line has had a big impression on my psychological well being and I’ve little doubt that has performed a component in my physique breaking down on this means. The fruits of stress over the previous few weeks has lastly taken its toll.
“I’m conscious of among the unfavorable commentary throughout (and) for the reason that race however this time I’m not going to hear. That is what occurred. In the event you select to not imagine it, then so be it.”
The Australian Olympic Committee stood by her choice.
“Sinéad Diver withdrew from the marathon after experiencing bilateral cramping in each quadriceps at Paris 2024,” an AOC assertion learn.
“She is devastated and being supported by crew officers and medical employees.
“Regardless of managing plantar fasciitis at occasions this 12 months, there was no bodily cause for Sinéad to not compete immediately.”
