Australian walker Dane Bird-Smith paid tribute to his father and coach, David, after a surprise third place finish in the 20km walk, unaware that his father had missed the medal presentation while in Brazilian police custody.
An Olympian himself at the Moscow and Los Angeles Games, David had been assisting at the water station during the race, and was stopped by Brazilian miltary police while attempting to cross the course to join his son in celebration post-race.
It is understood a verbal altercation followed, and Smith was led away, with the Australian Olympic Committee still trying to resolve the situation hours after the race had completed.
Unaware of his father’s arrest an emotional Bird-Smith heaped praise on his father and coach, post-race.
“He’s going to be going nuts somewhere,” Bird-Smith told Channel 7.
“He was on the drinks table. He was going absolutely bananas down there. I’ve got to go find [my family] and catch up.”
It wasn’t until he’d completed his media commitments that Bird-Smith was told about his father’s arrest.
“The Brazilian police didn’t realise he had his accreditation and they’ve held him up,” Bird-Smith said.
“Just classic dad really.”
On release from the Rio police station a chastised Smith heaped praise on his son for his achievements.
“I’m chuffed to the back teeth, I’m just so elated, he raced so hard, he raced so honestly and he’s just so gritty”, he said, adding he couldn’t wait to finally catch up and celebrate properly.
