Swiss runner FALLS just before the finish line of 4×100 relay at Diamond League as Netherlands snatch gold medal in Zurich
- Melissa Gutschmidt looked set to help Switzerland to gold in the women’s relay
- But she fell just moments before the finish line and was overtaken by Tasa Jiya’s
- Fans took to social media, with some saying it was controversial win for Holland
The women’s 4×100 relay at the Diamond league produced drama as the Netherlands snatched victory in Zurich.
Switzerland looked set to win gold medal with Melissa Gutschmidt on the final stretch after a strong start from Natacha Kouni, Salome Kora and Geraldine.
But the Dutch won the big prize in the dying moments through Tasa Jiya’s late stride on the finish line.
Jiya was behind Gutschmidt but managed to chase down the the Swiss runner, who fell forward as she stretched to reach the finish line.
Athletics fans took to social media to react, with some lauding the Netherlands for their victory while other claimed they won controversially.
Melissa Gutschmidt looked set to help Switzerland to gold in the women’s relay on Thursday
But she fell forward just before the finish line and was overtaken by Netherlands’ Tasa Jiya
The Netherlands snatched gold medal and some fans on social media say it was controversial
One fan wrote: ‘Wow, the speed of the winner.! Every credit to her.’
Another said:’ I’m just saying I think the Dutch runner put her off she’s so close to her in her lane they obviously reviewed it and gave it to the Netherlands but I wouldn’t be happy if I was the Swiss team’.
‘Was the Dutch runner fully in her lane? Looked like she was a looong way left in her lane and may have made contact with the Swiss girls arm just before she stumbled. The last angle needed to be a wider shot to see whether or not she did’, a third fan said.
A fourth praised Gutschmidt for managing to finish despite her fall. He said: ‘At least she held onto the baton and finished. It sucks but it could have been worse.
‘That being said, she will feel that fall for a couple of weeks.’
Meanwhile triple world champion Noah Lyles continued his successful summer as he won the men’s 200 meters in 19.80 seconds.
There was more good news for the USA as Sha’Carri Richardson easily won the the women’s 100 in 10.88, while Shericka Jackson dominated the women’s 200 in 21.82.
