Paralympian Denied Medal After 'Critical Mistake' In Final Moments Of Race

Jaryd Clifford of Team Australia competes during the men's 5000-meter T13 final. Tom Weller/VOIGT via Getty Images Australian runner Jaryd Clifford said he’s “shattered” he was disqualified from the Paralympics men’s T13 5000-meter final for vision-impaired athletes after crossing the finish line in third place over the weekend. “Remaining tethered is a fundamental rule in guiding and I’m shattered that I lost my mind in those final metres.” Clifford was denied the bronze medal after officials determined the tether, a small piece of rope binding Clifford to his guide Matt Clarke, was released just before they crossed the finish line. Speaking to reporters at Paris’ Stade de France after the race, Clifford explained that he doesn’t always use a guide, but when he does, “it means I can focus on the running.” “I don’t have to worry about the tactics, laps to go, which people are around me. NurPhoto via Getty Images Athletics Australia said in a statement that Clifford was “in really good shape, but there is always risks when you bring in other factors to middle-distance running, such as guides.” “Jaryd needs guides to run these distances competitively, but it creates more margin for error and unfortunately today was a realisation of that,” it said.