Hurdler apologises for unsportsmanlike behaviour as rival placed in neck brace

07 March 2023 , 12:42

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Jason Joseph was heavily criticised for not checking on his stricken hurdles rival (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Swiss athlete Jason Joseph has apologised for failing to check on his stricken rival Enrique Llopis when celebrating victory at the European Indoor Championships.

Spanish hurdler Enrique Llopis was rushed to hospital after a sickening fall during the 60m final in Turkey. The 22-year-old - seen as a medal contender in the race - crashed into the final hurdle and smashed his head into the floor of the track in the horror incident.

Llopis was laid completely motionless on the track as medics rushed to the scene and shielded the youngster from view of spectators. There was huge concern for Llopis inside Istanbul's Atakoy Arena as he was treated by doctors.

After five minutes of treatment, Llopis was carried off in a neck brace and transferred by ambulance to a nearby hospital. But winner Joseph and his other competitors came under fire for their apparent lack of concern for their rival's welfare in the immediate moments after the race.

Joseph, 24, celebrated his win with a Swiss flag but was not seen checking on Llopis, and was condemned for his 'unsportsmanlike' behaviour on social media.

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Llopis was rushed to hospital by medics but has now been deemed safe to fly home to begin his recovery (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"Bad sportsmanship," one fan commented on his Instagram, while another fumed: "There is no excuse for your behaviour." A third user declared: “You will have won but you have no respect and no sportsmanship.” Joseph has since taken his Instagram story to apologise for his actions and wish Llopis a speedy recovery.

"First things first. I'm sorry I didn't check that you were okay," he wrote. "I was lost at the time. Totally blocked from what was around me. I hope you're okay, I see you in outdoor competitions."

Llopis, who was in contention for bronze before his severe fall, was later confirmed as conscious by the Spanish federation and is now set to fly back to Spain to begin his recovery.

Ben Parsons