Canadian race walker awarded bronze after protest over collision
Evan Dunfee completed Friday's grueling 50km race walk in the worst position possible at the Olympics after a collision cost him a place on the podium and Hirooki Arai of Japan grabbed the bronze medal.
However, the Canadian's disappointment was short-lived: he was awarded the bronze medal after Athletics Canada successfully protested the result to the International Association of Athletics Federations.
The IAAF subsequently disqualified Arai for his part in causing the collision.
Boom! #can #athletics wins a 6th medal at #rio2016. Evan Dunfee wins bronze in the 50km RW. Amazing performance. pic.twitter.com/7j0SUAijVd
— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) August 19, 2016
UPDATE from the 50km race walk!
— IAAF (@iaaforg) August 19, 2016
Arai disqualified, @AthleticsCanada's @EvanDunfee moves into #bronze #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/BdEw2woQzw
Shortly after the ruling, Athletics Canada announced it expects the Japanese to launch a counter-protest.
The Canadian seemed significantly impacted by the collision, which took place shortly before the finish line, as he threw his arms in the air and lost considerable ground to Arai moments after impact.
The ruling brings Canada's medal haul to 19.