If you think racewalking looks easy, we have news for you: It’s anything but.
Just ask France’s Yohann Diniz, one of the favorites entering the men’s 50k walk final Friday at the 2016 Olympics. Diniz took an early lead after a fast start, but things soon took a turn for the worse when he began to experience some serious stomach problems.
How do we know they were serious? Well, because NBC’s television cameras captured footage of Diniz literally pooping himself in the middle of the race. That video has made it to the internet, but be warned, it’s pretty gross.
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These types of gastrointestinal issues unfortunately are common for distance runners and walkers and are known as “runner’s trots.” They also take quite a toll on your body, and about 20 minutes after his bowel incident, Diniz collapsed to the ground in fatigue.
Race walker Yohann Diniz of #FRA collapsed, but heroically managed to finish the race. https://t.co/5qbXjgsAm1 https://t.co/IaHfnK0AH1
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 19, 2016
Yet the Frenchman’s race amazingly didn’t end there. He picked himself up moments later and actually managed to finish the race in eighth place with a time of three hours, 46 minutes and 43 seconds — just six minutes behind gold medal winner Matej Tóth of Slovakia.
Now that’s perseverance.
H/t to UPROXX for the video
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
