A rule violation in the T13 5000m event resulted in heartbreak for Australian runner Jaryd Clifford, who lost his bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics Games.
On August 31, Jaryd Clifford, a vision-impaired athlete, was disqualified after coming in third in Paris. Races at this event have a particular regulation that all athletes must follow, and unfortunately, the runner broke it.
This mistake cost Clifford the bronze medal at the men’s T13 5000m, despite what was initially a triumphant performance. Luckily, the athlete wouldn’t let this setback discourage him from the rest of the event or his future.
The disqualification occurred on a dramatic day for the Australian track and field team at the Stade de France. Clifford, along with his guides, Matt Clarke and Tim Logan, let go of the tether before reaching the finish line. This action goes against the regulations set by the International Paralympic Committee.
The IPC requires runners and their guides to remain tethered until they cross the finish line. Guiding Clifford during the race required precise teamwork: Logan paced the athlete through the first 2000 meters before Clarke took over for the final 3000 meters.
The switch was flawless, but Clifford and Clarke mistakenly released the tether just before completing the race. This cost them a spot on the podium and the prize money. As a result, the Australian athletics team recognized that while guides are necessary for athletes to compete in these long races, this reliance introduces a higher potential for mistakes. This race, unfortunately, was the perfect example.
Clifford, who has battled various injuries since winning two silvers and a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games, was devastated by the outcome. He described the moment as “pretty shattering.”
On Twitter, the athlete admitted, “I’m absolutely gutted that we made such a critical mistake today. Remaining tethered is a fundamental rule of guiding & I’m shattered that I lost my mind in those final meters. I’ve got so much more to give, I promise to bring everything for the 1500m on Tuesday ❤️.”
On Instagram, he added, “Sport can be a cruel beast at times, but the tough times are what make the good times so great.” Meanwhile, the news about his disqualification spread rapidly online.
Stan Sport initially celebrated Clifford’s performance. They wrote, “Leaving nothing on the track 😤🥉 @JarydClifford secures bronze in the Men’s 5000m – T13 final.” However, they subsequently revised their post after the IPC’s decision.
Similar posts and the athlete’s social media accounts were flooded with reactions from fans. A few acknowledged the unfortunate rule breach, with one user noting, “Rules are rules.”
However, the majority rallied around the runner. One fan tweeted, “Coming back from adversity is what champions do. Australia is cheering you on, Jaryd,” while another wrote, “You’re still a champ.”
Another supporter commented, “Oh man, we feel your pain. What an absolute star you are. Keep your chin up, mate. We will see you succeed again next time.”
Buoyed by the support, Clifford returned to the track for the 1500m competition on Tuesday, September 3, hoping to bounce back from his earlier mistake. Despite his efforts, however, he narrowly missed the bronze medal and finished fourth by just one-hundredth of a second. He was close behind Anton Kuliatin, who represented the Neutral Paralympic Team.
Though the near-miss was heartbreaking, it also brought an epiphany. During an interview with ABC Sport, the Paralympian shared, “I’ve realised that a gold medal isn’t the only reason I run. Running gave me confidence in myself. It allowed me to comprehend and come to terms with my impairment. It’s given me so much in life.”
Therefore, Clifford’s story and good sportsmanship ultimately serve as an inspiration and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph.
