1600m World Relay! ◆ Hell and Heaven, " Life, I don't get it!" ◆
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1600m World Relay! ◆ Hell and Heaven, " Life, I don't get it!" ◆
Many people must have watched the World Athletics Championships held until recently (August 19-27, 2023) in Budapest, also known as the "World Relays," right?
Even I, despite the approximately 7-hour time difference from Budapest, Hungary, rubbed my sleepy eyes and managed to watch from start to finish, even though I had a moment of dozing off.
It was incredibly fascinating.
Numerous records and emotions were born, and while watching the performances of Japanese athletes with excitement, the most interesting and enlightening part was the run of Femke Bol, an athlete from the Netherlands.
The first final event of the World Relays was the mixed 1600m relay! According to the commentators, Femke Bol, the anchor for the Netherlands, had exceptional running prowess. They mentioned that other countries would have a hard time competing unless they had a handicap of at least 15 meters before Bol's turn!
The race began, and as expected, it was a close battle between the United States and the Netherlands. By the time it was Bol's turn to run, the United States couldn't close the gap, giving a slight advantage to the Netherlands. Bol received the baton in a good position.
Bol managed to hold off the desperate American pursuit from behind and was about to cross the finish line, seemingly securing the victory for the Netherlands. That's what everyone must have thought!
But in the next moment, did the world gasp collectively? What tripped her up? Just before the finish line, Bol stumbled and fell dramatically! She even threw the baton in a tumble!
And right beside her, the United States passed through! They won with a "world record" time! And, unbelievably, since Bol had blown away the baton just before the finish line, the Netherlands was disqualified!
They say "truth is stranger than fiction," and indeed! A tragic event unfolded right before our eyes!
For Bol, it must have been a hellish experience, bearing the weight of her country's pride in the World Championships. "How unfortunate!" The extent of her anguish is immeasurable.
However, the way Bol continued to participate in subsequent events with determination was truly inspiring!
And, last but not least, the final final event, the women's 1600m relay!
Once again, Bol participated!
Merely her presence made me think, "Wow," but there was even more dramatic drama awaiting us at the very end!
In the mixed 1600m relay, the baton was passed to Bol in the reverse pattern. The expectation was to finish in third place, a natural outcome.
However, what a miraculous turn of events! From a moment that everyone thought was impossible, just before the finish line, right before the finish line, she overtook the two runners ahead and claimed victory!
We were shown something truly amazing!
She never gave up until the very end!
Really! Absolutely!
Hell and heaven, "Life, I don't get it!"
