OTHERS > Turkish runner limps over the finish line to ovation

ISTANBUL

Turkey's Merve Aydin cries after she came in last in her women's 800m round 1 heat at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 8, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Turkish runner Merve Aydın received a standing ovation from an Olympic crowd in London when she refused to quit her 800m race following an injury and finished the race limping, daily Hürriyet reported.

Aydın was leading the contest until suffering an ankle injury that forced her to give up her hopes of winning the race.

Aydın, however, refused to yield and continued the race, limping and in tears.

The Turkish runner had previously hit the headlines last year during a championship in Istanbul when she burst into tears after discovering during a TV interview that she had not made it to the finals despite previously being told she had by a reporter.

Turkish runner limps over the finish line

August/08/2012

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attila zorbey

8/9/2012 8:31:10 PM

Although our population as Turks accounts for 75 million just in Turkey (set aside the other Turks in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and so on) we settled for just one medal. Turkey got more medals with far less athletes in the Olympics in the past and finished at 7th place at that time. Ongoing situation doesnt seem promising. Therefore Government should take necessary steps to get some success n Olypics as soon as possible. Just saying "all the medals will be ours in 2020 Olympics" is not enough...

JRC JRC

8/9/2012 9:24:46 AM

Good for her, well done for having the grit and determination to get across the line. The Olympics has become a farce over the last 30 years, but Merve Aydın is a great example of what it was and should again be.

Pyotr Ivanovich

8/9/2012 5:03:35 AM

@Sam Stewens,Thanks for demonstrating the extent a Spoilsport will go, when Jelousee rears it's ugly Head.

Agnes Smith

8/9/2012 12:25:00 AM

At least she is a Turk!! Shocked and choked to see many imports representing TK. There are 70 mil out there and why are we having to recruit from overseas? Mad!

Rhonda L.

8/8/2012 8:47:17 PM

Now that's the Turkish tenacity I've read about. Like Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli? Even if you don't win still cross the finish line. The victory is inside you then. Love ya Turkiye!

Niko Labes

8/8/2012 5:20:22 PM

BRAVO !!!!!! This is what the olympic spirit is all about She deserves a medal.

sam stevens

8/8/2012 5:02:34 PM

Funny, I watched that race & at no time did I see her in the lead.

Murat

8/8/2012 4:08:12 PM

I wish there was another way to make the news, but the courage is appreciated. Turkey had gotten more medals with far fewer athletes in the Olympics in the past. On the other hand, there is a silver lining, this is a record number of Turkish athletes who qualified to even compete in the Olympics. A very good sign indeed.

Diren Sesel

8/8/2012 4:06:27 PM

Turkish team needs to have medical doctors and psychologist, I see the British team and American team have these qualities in there teams.

MAJORITY

8/8/2012 4:00:42 PM

What we want is the tears of "Victory", not the tears in "Misery", wish her the best in her next race, make us proud girl...

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