By Stephen Wade
Even in the Paralympics Games, there is controversy over victory and defeat.
Malaysian shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli appeared to have won gold in the shot put in the F20 class. But after the victory on Tuesday, he was disqualified because he had shown up late for the competition.
International Paralympic Committee spokesman Craig Spence said Zolkefli and two others — who did not reach the podium — were allowed to compete under protest after they failed to appear on time for the event.
“They were late, they may have had a logical reason for being late, and therefore we allowed them to compete and look at the facts of the matter afterward," Spence said.
A statement from World Para Athletics, which governs track and field for Para sports, said a referee had determined after the event that “there was no justifiable reason for the athletes' failure to report” on time. It said an appeal was also turned down.
The disqualification bumped Maksym Koval of Ukraine up to gold, and Ukraine teammate Oleksandr Yarovyi took silver. Bronze went to Efstratios Nikolaidis of Greece.
Spence said the disqualification was met with anger on social media. He described it as “very abusive.” Much of it targeted the Ukrainians.
“We are now seeing comments on all our social media posts that have nothing to do with the men’s shot put F20 event,” Spence said. He said the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee “was getting a lot of abuse from Malaysians.”
“I’m sorry. Rules are rules,” Spence said. "The decision was taken. It wasn’t the Ukrainians fault that the Malaysian was late.”
Spence said the three had arrived three minutes late. He said he did not see this as a harsh penalty. “Others get there five minutes early,” he said.
Spence said an excuse given was that the Malaysian and the two others said they “didn't hear the announcement or it was in a language” they did not understand.
The F20 class in shot put is for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Associated Press attempted to reach the Malaysian delegation through an email address provided by IPC officials. There was no immediate response on Wednesday.
Early in 2019, the IPC stripped Malaysia of the World Para Swimming Championships for being unwilling to guarantee that Israeli athletes could compete.
Spence said the reaction then was similar.
“The level of abuse that was directed at the IPC then was through the roof,” Spence said.
Ashley Busch, model and Polo player, says that she uses digital platforms to show the presence of women in the coed sport, and to encourage more women to pursue it.
Meryl Streep joins the cast of Big Little Lies." The White House announces it will roll out immigration Framework. Cheddar speaks with Danica Patrick about how she is readying for this race and life after Nascar. President Trump announces new tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines. Burger King releases a net neutrality commercial. Hewlett Packard's CEO announcers her new venture.
The professional race car driver says her sport is based on personalities. And with many big names getting out of the game, she says the industry has to get more interactive and offer more behind-the-scenes depth.
The European Union fines Qualcomm for allegedly violating antitrust laws. Starbucks and Disney announce pay raises and better employee benefits thanks to savings from the new tax reform bill. We talk to the directors behind the newest Netflix series, "Dirty Money," premiering this Friday, January 26th. And Brett Holts, VP of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit.
Brett Holts, Vice President of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit. The new shoe features a brand new foam compound.
The future of business is getting active. More and more companies are focused on the customer's experience, rather than just a product. This Changes Things host Brad Smith aims for the bullseye at "Kick Axe," New York City's first axe-throwing venue. He talks to Founder Ginger Flesher about the business of axe throwing.
Senior editor of FHM Magazine Nick Dimengo breaks down the Super Bowl matchup. He also explains the "Brady Effect" and whether or not "Patriots Fatigue" is a real thing.
The government is close to reopening. The Senate voted Monday in favor of a temporary spending bill to fund the government until February 8th. Netflix announces its 4th quarter earnings. Actor Nicolas Cage sits down at Sundance to talk about the making of Revenge Thriller "Mandy". Ralph Lauren unveils its 2018 Team USA Olympic uniforms for the opening ceremony.
James Yoder, CEO and founder of Chat Sports, breaks down the AFC and NFC Championship games. The Patriots barely escaped the Jaguars 24-20, while the Eagles pounded the Vikings 38-7.
WWE stars Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Roman Reigns, and AJ Styles discuss the 25th anniversary of WWE's flagship show, "Raw." The four stars all agree it's incredible to be part of such a special event.
