Cameraman’s Reckless Stunt Nearly Derails Olympic 5000m Heat

The 5000m second heat at the Olympics on Wednesday was nearly marred by a catastrophic collision, all thanks to a careless cameraman’s actions. Ten minutes into the race, the cameraman nonchalantly strolled across the track while the runners were rounding a bend. His obliviousness, akin to someone crossing a road without looking, nearly resulted in a major disaster.

A Near-Miss and Stunned Reactions

As the athletes approached the cameraman at a rapid pace, it was nothing short of a miracle that they managed to avoid crashing into him. He barely stopped himself in time, forcing some runners to maneuver around him, a maneuver that could have easily led to a fall.

Commentators on BBC’s coverage of the race were aghast at the incident, with Steve Cram exclaiming, “Ingebrigtsen signals to say, ‘Are you crazy?'”. It was a moment of sheer luck and relief for all involved.

A Contrast in Heats: From Near-Disaster to Controversy

While the second heat was marked by a near-collision, the first heat took a different turn. Team GB’s George Mills found himself in a collision that sent four runners tumbling to the ground, leaving him second to last in his heat.

Mills, convinced that he had been nudged by France’s Hugo Hay on the home straight, expressed his fury and confronted Hay after the race in a heated exchange.

Mills’ Perspective and Appeal

In an interview with the BBC, Mills recounted the incident, saying, “I don’t know if you guys could see it on the TV. Look, I wouldn’t go for a gap if it wasn’t there. That would be a pretty dumb strategy…I pulled onto the outside and there was space. I got stepped out on…then boom, the French lad took me down!”

Mills lodged an appeal, and after a review from the video referee, he was allowed to advance to the final. The incident sparked controversy and highlighted the intense competition and occasional physicality of middle-distance races.

Lessons Learned and Call for Caution

The incidents in both heats served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and caution during races. Cameramen, officials, and athletes alike must be aware of their surroundings and prioritize the well-being of the competitors.

While the Olympic Games showcase the peak of human athleticism and competition, it is crucial to ensure that the pursuit of victory does not compromise the safety of those involved. The near-collision in the 5000m second heat should serve as a wake-up call for all those involved in the sport.