On social media, McSweyn was caught up in the chaos caused by a rogue cameraman disrupting the 5000m heats at the Paris Olympics.
A viral video captured the chaos at the Paris Olympics, gaining attention and sparking debate.
On the X platform, the video highlighted the multiple falls during the men’s 5000m heats, including that of British runner George Mills.
Mills tumbled on the final straight during heat one, leading to widespread discussion among viewers about the incident
The men’s 5000m heats at the Paris Olympics were marred by unexpected drama. Australian runner Stewart McSweyn was caught up in the tumult. Additionally, a rogue cameraman created chaos on the track.
Unexpected events unfolded during the race, including falls and tempers flaring. Additionally, an unusual incident involving a rogue cameraman added to the chaos.
The heats were filled with drama, featuring multiple falls
In the first heat, the race was disrupted by multiple falls, including that of British runner George Mills.
Mills, the son of former England footballer Danny Mills, collided with France’s Hugo Hay, leading to a tumble on the final straight.
Additionally, Mills confronted Hay at the finish line and finished in 18th place.
Despite the chaos, Mills expressed frustration over the incident and his subsequent disqualification.
He commented on the altercation, “I got stepped out on as I was about to kick in the home straight, and boom, the French lad took me down.”
McSweyn faced to challenge and appeal
Australian runner Stewart McSweyn managed to stay on his feet amidst the chaos but still did not qualify automatically.
However, he appealed the result, citing the disruptions as a factor.
The jury agreed to his appeal, allowing him to compete in the final scheduled for Sunday morning (AEDT).
McSweyn shared his relief on social media, stating, “Olympic final Saturday night.”
Bizarre cameraman incident
In the second heat, a rogue cameraman caused an unusual interruption. He wandered across the track just as the runners approached the final laps.
The cameraman, unaware of his error, nearly caused a collision. Norwegian runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s amateurish. That should not happen in an Olympics.”
The incident highlighted a significant oversight by the Paris Olympics organizers. The cameraman seemed to be focused on the women’s javelin qualifying event.
Ingebrigtsen went on to win his heat. Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary and Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli completed the top three.
Despite the chaos, only one runner fell during this heat.
Meanwhile, in the earlier heat, Mills’s confrontation with Hay and subsequent appeal resulted in Mills being reinstated for the final.