Team Spain have lodged an appeal the IAAF jury over Jamaican James McLeod’s fall in the men’s 110m hurdles, which the Spaniards believe cost their athlete a bronze medal.
Spain claim that their athlete Orlando ORTEGA was obstructed during the race and seriously affected, as he was third at the time of the incident but his progress was clearly impeded, making it impossible for him to maintain the medal position.
The Incident
Favourite to defend his title, Jamaican McLeod came out of the starting blocks fast but his race quickly turned sour as he knocked down hurdles and tumbled to the track before reaching the finish line.
McLeod’s problems seemed to upset Diamond League champion Orlando Ortega in the next lane and he finished fifth in 13.30 seconds.
Team Spain requested that, under Rule 163.2 a), either the race be re-held, or the athlete be allowed to compete alone.
If the above request is not accepted, Team Spain request that, as a fair sporting gesture, ORTEGA be awarded the medal corresponding to his position at the time of the obstruction..
What does the IAAF rule say?
RULE 163.2
Obstruction
2. If an athlete is jostled or obstructed during an event so as to impede
his progress, then:
(a) if the jostling or obstruction is considered unintentional or is caused otherwise than by an athlete, the Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, in accordance with Rule 125.7 or Rule 146.4, order that the race (for one, some or all of the athletes) be re-held or allow the affected athlete (or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event;
(b) if another athlete is found by the Referee to be responsible for the jostling or obstruction, such athlete (or his team) shall be liable to disqualification from that event. The Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, in accordance with Rule 125.7 or Rule 146.4, order that the race (for one, some or all of the athletes) be re-held excluding any disqualified athlete (or team) or allow any affected athlete (or team) (other than any disqualified athlete or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event.
Note: In cases considered serious enough, Rules 125.5 and 145.2 may also be applied.
In both cases Rule 163.2(a) and (b), such athlete (or team).