IAAF World ChampionshipsAug 25, 2015 by Taylor Dutch
Alysia Montano Falls in 800m Heat, USATF Protest Unsuccessful
Alysia Montano Falls in 800m Heat, USATF Protest Unsuccessful
BEIJING - 2012 Olympian Alysia Montano suffered from a fall during the first round of the women's 800m at the World Championships, and was unable to advance to the semifinal round even after USATF issued a protest on her behalf.
The six-time national champion suffered from a fall coming into the final 200m of heat five, which resulted in a heart-breaking seventh-place finish (2:09) in the race. USATF issued an official protest for the fall, which was unsuccessful upon initial examination by the IAAF. USATF announced at 11:20 a.m. that they were in the process of an appeal, and later received news that the appeal was denied and Montano would not advance.
The six-time national champion suffered from a fall coming into the final 200m of heat five, which resulted in a heart-breaking seventh-place finish (2:09) in the race. USATF issued an official protest for the fall, which was unsuccessful upon initial examination by the IAAF. USATF announced at 11:20 a.m. that they were in the process of an appeal, and later received news that the appeal was denied and Montano would not advance.
There has been an official protest by @usatf - currently being examined #Beijing2015 pic.twitter.com/m19M4koDfV
— IAAF (@iaaforg) August 26, 2015
The protest for @AlysiaMontano in the women's 800m was unsuccessful. We are in the process of an appeal. #Beijing2015
— USATF (@usatf) August 26, 2015
UPDATE: The appeal for @AlysiaMontano in the 800m has been denied. She is officially DQ'd. #Beijing2015
— USATF (@usatf) August 26, 2015
Previous results stand. No DQ, finishes 7th in her heat. #Beijing2015 https://t.co/E7lb7tuLhj
— USATF (@usatf) August 26, 2015
The U.S. will be represented in the semifinal by Molly Beckwith and 2013 World bronze medalist Brenda Martinez who advanced out of their respective races.
Beckwith, a late addition to the team after Ajee Wilson pulled out with injury, finished sixth in heat one with a finishing time of 2:00.70, which was fast enough to advance on time to the semifinal round. Martinez was able to close for third-place in heat three behind Rababe Arafi of Morocco and Fiona Benson of Canada.
Hear what Montano had to say immediately after the race and prior to the results of USATF's protest: