Team GB's Cindy Sember was left devastated on Friday morning after she agonisingly fell during the women's 100m hurdles semi-final on Friday afternoon at the Paris Olympics.
Staggering forwards, Sember was unable to control herself and crashed into the eighth barrier, falling forwards before suffering the heartbreaking fall - landing on her hands before rolling onto her back.
Luckily, Sember seemed unharmed by the fall, but cut a frustrated figure on the floor, slamming her fist into the track before laying down and placing her hands over her head.
'I feel I was coming to the hurdles very quickly, and I lost my control unfortunately.
'I was very ready, it’s a little hard to take in. But I'm trusting god in it.'
World No 1 Jasmine Camacho-Quinn clinched victory with a time of 12.35, while Masai Russell of the USA, Jamaica's Ackera Nugent and Cyrena Samba-Mayela would also qualify for the final.
The medal race will take place later tonight at 6.35pm BST, with World No 2 Devynne Charlton a hot favourite to challenge Camacho-Quinn, who won gold in Tokyo, for first place in Paris.
Sember had come very close to a podium finish in the event at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, finishing fourth in the 100m hurdles final.
After her announcing herself at the Games in Brazil Sember had to fight through a several injury setbacks, before returning to the track to win silver at the European Indoor Championships in 2021, before taking bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Sember had failed to qualify for the final in Tokyo, finishing 15th in the semi-final.
Colin Jackson, who won silver in the men's hurdles at the 1988 Olympics, said to the BBC: 'Unfortunately for Cindy, she caught up with one of the barriers early.
'Because you're moving so quickly, make one tiny mistake, she dropped her trail foot, and no room for error, no room for any movement, you just hit the deck.'
Sember's Fall: A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
The 100m hurdles semi-final was a race that started promisingly for Sember, but ended in a devastating way. She was moving well and looked to be in contention for a spot in the final when her foot clipped the back of the fifth hurdle, sending her off balance and tumbling into the next barrier. The impact threw her off her stride, leaving her unable to continue the race.
This was not just a setback for Sember; it was a missed opportunity to make history. The hurdler had come very close to a medal finish at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and her performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she earned bronze, showed that she was still a force to be reckoned with in the sport. However, her fall in Paris ended her chances of competing for a medal in the 100m hurdles at this year's Games. The event marked her third Olympic appearance, and one can only imagine the disappointment she must be feeling.
Fans Express Outpouring of Support
Fans online were as heartbroken for Sember as she was for herself, pouring out messages of support on social media. Many expressed their sympathy for the athlete's misfortune, while others celebrated her resilience and previous achievements, emphasizing that the fall didn't diminish her status as a legend.
Despite the disappointment, Sember's fall was fortunate not to result in a serious injury. She was able to walk off the track and appeared to have avoided any lasting harm. This is a relief to many of her supporters, who were concerned about the impact of the crash.
Sember's Story: A Journey of Triumph and Setbacks
Cindy Sember is a testament to the perseverance of athletes who have faced many challenges in their careers. She has shown remarkable dedication and resilience in the face of adversity, overcoming injuries and setbacks to remain at the top of her game. While her performance at the Paris Olympics was disappointing, it is important to remember her accomplishments and the dedication she brings to the sport. Sember's journey reminds us that even with the setbacks, the spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence continue to inspire.
A Moment of Disappointment, But a Strong Athlete Remains
Cindy Sember's fall in the 100m hurdles semi-final at the Paris Olympics was a heartbreaking moment, a reminder that even the most dedicated athletes can face unexpected challenges. It ended her hopes of competing in the final, and her heartfelt reaction highlighted the emotional toll of such a setback. However, Sember's fall is not the end of her story. She is a strong athlete with a history of resilience, and this event is just another hurdle she will overcome. Her dedication to her sport and her unwavering spirit will continue to inspire fans, and it will be exciting to see what she achieves in the future.
