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.
And the emotional rollercoaster has been in overdrive since then, along with many dramatic turns.
In the immediate aftermath, no action was taken by officials, and protests were lodged by Hull and Abbey Caldwell’s camps.
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.
Sarah Billings was elevated to first place and Caldwell to second spot.
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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Hollingsworth was back on the track tonight in the heats of the 800m, easing through to the final as the fastest qualifier.
“Yesterday’s race had its ups and downs, but ultimately they came to a unanimous decision and just moving on to the next race now,” she said.
“I never like to see any athlete go down, but it was a fair race and I obviously felt bad for what happened, and I hope she’s okay, but I’m alright.”
Hull, 29, was due to contest the event but withdrew due to soreness, and at this stage is still planning to compete in tomorrow’s 5,000m final.
That leaves Hollingsworth as the favourite to win and add to her 800m crown from 2024.
Hollingsworth looked surprised as she continued running after Hull’s fall. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
The Melburnian is yet to speak to Hull.
“There’s no bad blood from my end and I’m sure there’s not from her,” she said.
“We respect each other a lot, and I’m definitely willing to reach out for sure and make sure she’s okay.
“We’re both mature athletes and we both want the best for each other.”
Hollingsworth appears certain to secure one of the three spots for the one mile at the Commonwealth Games, which will replace the 1,500m.
Billings, Caldwell, and Hull will fight it out for the other two places.
Although Hull should claim one of those positions, considering her status as the Olympic silver medallist.
