Claudia Hollingsworth hardly exuded the energy of an athlete who had won a national title after crossing the line first in the women’s 1,500 metres final at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney last night.
She looked conflicted, admitting to mixed emotions after her win came at the expense of four-time champion Jess Hull, who tripped and fell in the final 50 metres.Â
And the emotional rollercoaster has been in overdrive since then, along with many dramatic turns.Â
Protests from Hull and Abbey Caldwell’s camps were initially dismissed by officials.
More footage was reviewed, and the 20-year-old Hollingsworth was then disqualified, having been deemed to contribute to Hull’s fall as she was trying to overtake her.Â
Sarah Billings was elevated to first place and Caldwell to second spot.
Hull crashes out in 1,500m final
Hollingsworth lodged a last-ditch appeal last night, and today has been reinstated as the national champion, an independent panel deeming she was not at fault.
“The panel found after viewing all the available footage and interviewing concerned parties, Hollingsworth’s appeal was upheld,” Australian Athletics said in a statement.
It also denied the option of a re-run, but will “review its status as a selection race” for July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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Athletes must achieve the qualification standard to earn selection and also compete in the relevant event at the Nationals, with three athletes chosen per event.Â
Hollingsworth looked surprised as she continued running after Hull’s fall. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Hollingsworth now seems set to take one of those spots for the one mile, which will replace the 1,500m, but Billings, Caldwell, and Hull will fight it out for the other two places.Â
Although Hull should secure one of those positions, considering her status as the Olympic silver medallist.
Hollingsworth and Hull will line up in the 800m heats tonight, which could make for an enthralling final should they both progress, as expected.Â