Swiss sprint hurdler Jason Joseph has come under fire for failing to check on the health and status of his fellow athlete Enrique Llopis after a nasty fall in the men’s 60-meter hurdles final at the European Athletics Indoor Championships on Sunday (5).
Joseph Criticized for Failing to Check on Injured Rival Enrique Llopis
Llopis fell on the final hurdle before crashing to the ground and hitting his head. Although he was carried off the track on a stretcher with a neck brace on, the Spanish federation confirmed later in the day that the 22-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital for health checks and was conscious.
Despite winning the event and making history as the first man from his country to do so, Joseph drew criticism for his prolonged celebration while Llopis was still on the ground. – Read more: Jazmin Sawyers wins long jump win 7.00m; Jason Joseph wins hurdles gold!
One person posted on Joseph’s Instagram account, “You will have won but you have no respect and no sportsmanship.”
Another person commented, “There is no excuse for your behavior…you were able to see him, the actions around him, however, you continued with the celebration…nothing more than shame….”
Joseph’s Celebration Called “Most Unsportsmanlike Action in History” by Spanish Media
The Spanish media also condemned Joseph’s actions, with one outlet claiming his ongoing celebration to be “the most unsportsmanlike action in history.”
After the backlash, the Swiss star took to Instagram to apologize to Llopis, saying, “First things first. I’m sorry I didn’t check that you were okay. I was lost at the time. Totally blocked from what was around me. I hope you’re okay, I see you in outdoor competitions.”
Joseph took to Instagram to apologize to Llopis, saying, “First things first. I’m sorry I didn’t check that you were okay. I was lost at the time. Totally blocked from what was around me. I hope you’re okay, I see you in outdoor competitions.”
Meanwhile, the Spanish federation confirmed on Monday that Llopis was discharged from the hospital. He will be flying back to Spain with his father and coach on Tuesday.
