08 September 2024 , 14:23
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Ambra Sabatini missed out on a gold medal at the Paralympics after a fall in the final of the women’s 100m T63 also took out her Italian teammate.
After a sluggish start to the race, Sabatini produced an impressive surge to take the lead with around 10 metres to go.
But with the finish line in sight, the 22-year-old suffered a nasty trip and collided into Monica Contrafatto, who was running in the lane beside her.
Contrafatto was in line to take third place had she not collided with Sabatini, however, Italy launched an appeal after the race and following a review, the 43-year-old was awarded a joint bronze medal with Team GB’s Ndidikama Okoh.
Sabatini, who set a new 100m T63 world record at the World Championships last year, was inconsolable after the race, while her fellow Italian, Martina Caironi, won her second medal in Paris 2024 as she finished first.
Sfuma il sogno del trio ????
— Ansia Totale (@ansia_totale) September 7, 2024
Ambra Sabatini inciampa negli ultimi metri ostacolando involontariamente Monica Contrafatto. Martina Caironi riesce comunque a raggiungere il primo posto.
Siete comunque le nostre campionesse, forza ragazze ????????❤️ #GiochiParalimpici #Parigi2024 pic.twitter.com/OGzWiy1fms
In a tearful interview after the race, Sabatini said: ‘I am in shock.
‘I don’t know what happened. I wanted to fight, but instead, this happened.
Ambra Sabatini tripped with just 10m of the race to go (Getty)
Ambra Sabatini thought she had cost Monica Contrafatto a medal (PA)
Monica Contrafatto (right) was awarded a joint bronze medal after a post-race review (Reuters)
‘I was there, at the finish line, I could see the line, I was touching it. Unfortunately, I also hurt Monica and I am sorry.
‘It was bad, I wanted to give the medal to my parents and whoever was here, but I couldn’t do it. I have endured a lot, I will endure this one.’
After winning her bronze medal, Contrafatto said: ‘Ambra came to me crying and saying she was sorry.
‘The most beautiful thing about this medal is that it has taken a weight off Ambra.
‘She felt guilty, when actually she didn’t need to. It happened and could happen to anyone.’