An official with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Tuesday that the re-run of women's 5,000m T-54 is in the interest of fairness and the decision was made because of the seriousness of the crash in the race which led to six athletes failing to finish the race.
The crash of athletes' wheelchairs in Monday's women's 5,000m T-54 race led to six out of 11 runners unable to finish the race and three athletes injured.
Canada's Diane Roy finished first, followed by Britain's Shelly Woods and the United States' Amanda Mcgrory
The result of the event was later withdrawn and the IPC's Jury of Appeal ordered a re-run of the race to be held on Sept. 12.
Switzerland's Hunkeler Edith was disqualified. Awarded athletes were asked to return their medals.
Chris Cohen, chairperson of the IPC Athletics, said at a press conference in the Main Press Center that "it is not unique, but unusual for any race in athletics to restage," adding the decision was made by taking account of the seriousness of the crash.
Three countries, Australia, the United States and Switzerland, lodged appeals for the race.
Cohen said Australia lodged appeal citing its athlete was obstructed unfairly by another athlete. The U.S. appeal said their athletes were impeded by a Canadian athlete during the race. And the third appeal said that its athlete was affected by the officials crossing the track to try to ensure the safety of the injured athletes.
Cohen said he had personally talked with Diane Roy and Shelly Woods. "Diane was disappointed but understanding. Shelly was less experienced and did not take in quite well this is the case and I understand how upset she would be in that situation."
"But from my point of view, we have to make sure that the process is followed through correctly," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2008)