- Matthew Clarke finished last in the steeplechase.
- Australian athlete required medical attention
- It later emerged that he had been battling a virus.
Australian national champion Matthew Clarke has been hailed as “brave” after competing at the Olympics with a virus.
Clarke, 29, collapsed on the track in Paris after finishing last in the heats of the men’s 3000m steeplechase, clearly in distress after the gruelling race.
His teammate Ben Buckingham, who also failed to qualify, later told Nine that Clarke had been battling a virus in the build-up to his race.
“He’s very brave. Australian national champion Matthew Clarke struggled all the way but was determined to finish here in Paris and he did,” said Nine’s Gerard Whateley as Clarke crossed the finish line.
‘He now collapsed on the track, having done well to stay on his feet, I suspect, throughout the course, as he fell further and further behind.
“But in its own way, that’s blood and guts running.”
Matthew Clarke struggled in the men’s 3000m steeplechase and finished last before needing medical attention. It later emerged that he had a virus
Whateley later revealed that Clarke required medical attention after the race.
‘We are told he was escorted to medical services after his heat and cleared to return to the warm-up track, where he is being monitored by Australian medical staff.
“So it’s as good news as we could have hoped for, considering what we all saw together.”
