Fans have rallied around Katarina Johnson-Thompson after she was injured and then disqualified for leaving her lane during the 200m event of the women’s heptathlon.
The 28-year-old needed surgery on a ruptured Achilles in December and was a major doubt for the Olympics.
But the Liverpool-born athlete recovered in time to take part in three competitions in the build-up to the games.
And she began the heptathlon superbly with her second fastest time ever to win her 100m hurdles heat in 13.27 seconds.
However, from there, Johnson-Thompson lost ground in the high jump and shot put to stand on 2,886 points, 139 points behind defending champion Nafissatou Thiam's 3,025.
And although she came flying out of the blocks, Johnson-Thompson soon pulled up with her old Achilles injury coming back to haunt her.
Although she looked to be in some pain, Johnson-Thompson refused the use of a wheelchair and indicated she wanted to finish the race.
But despite somehow managing to cross the finish line, Johnson-Thompson was disqualified by officials for leaving her lane.
And fans were quick to offer support and sympathy to the Liverpool Harriers athlete.
Former British 100m champion Jeanette Kwakye told the BBC: “She didn't want to speak, which is certainly understandable, but she wanted to finish (that race).
“I think we all thought it was amazing to see her run such an amazing in the hurdles but there was a limping situation after the high jump and there was always going to be a lot of stress on the Achilles.”
While Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill added: “She had the best year of her life in 2019 and coming into an Olympic year she was in the best form she could be.
“2020 ended up in injury, and for the years that she's had in the sport, she's had such blows.”
