The essence of the Olympics was vividly demonstrated on the first day of the track and field competitions in Paris on Friday.
Laotian sprinter Silinia Pha Aphay and Lucia Moris from South Sudan ran side by side in the initial heat of the women’s 100-meter preliminary round, aiming for a top three finish to qualify for the next round.
Lucia Moris of South Sudan lies injured during the women’s 100-meter preliminary round on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France, Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
As reported by The Washington Post, Pha Aphay realized around the midpoint of the race that Moris, in the adjacent lane, had fallen.
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Pha Aphay completed the race with a personal best of 12.45 seconds, but it was not sufficient to secure a place in the top three.
Yet, that was of little concern.
Pha Aphay turned around to check on Moris, who was seen clutching her right leg and crying out in agony. She rushed over to alert the medics, who quickly arrived and transported Moris off the purple track on a stretcher.
Lucia Moris of South Sudan is seen on the ground as Silina Pha Aphay from Laos checks on her condition during the women’s 100-meter preliminary round on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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“We are athletes,” Pha Aphay stated, according to The Post. “We all run 100 meters — it’s the same for everyone. All athletes in the 100 meters know the pain of injury. It’s a major event; it’s a dream to compete here. Injuries happen, and everyone understands that feeling.”
Pha Aphay speculated that Moris might have suffered a hamstring injury.
“I can only empathize with her pain,” she added.
Lucia Moris of South Sudan is assisted off the track by medical personnel during the women’s 100-meter preliminary round on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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In the initial round, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, making her Olympic debut, finished in first place with a time of 10.94 seconds, qualifying for the semifinals on Saturday.
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