US Sprinter Manteo Mitchell Breaks His Leg During Relay….But Still Finishes Race

For US athlete Manteo Mitchell the beginning of men’s 4x400 meter Olympic relay final was not as painful until he heard the POP! Andhe immediately sensed that oncoming danger. The American sprinter had 200 meters to go in the first leg with a broken bone and at the same time he had to make a tough decision: keep running or stop and lose the race. To him, it was never much of a choice.

Image From: Twitter

The 25-year-old managed to finish the race with a limp, but with no obvious sign of pain he was feeling. 'I got out pretty slow, but I picked it up and when I got to the 100-metre mark it felt weird. As soon as I took the first step past the 200-meter mark, I felt it break. I heard it.’

A few hours later, doctors confirmed what he suspected: he had run half the last-lap with a broken left fibula. Manteo, from the beginning knew that the stakes were high.

US currently lead the points table in its cutthroat competition with China. Moreover, he was also fully aware of the fact that Americans have won gold in the last eight long relays they’ve entered at the Olympics. This time when he was on track, he only wanted history to repeat itself.

With his mantra of faith, focus and finish he was able to complete his 200 meters even with a broken ensuring that his team advances to the finals.

Image From: Twitter

It is also important to mention here that London Olympics is the first grand sports event of its kind that has observed such stories of extreme inspiration and determination.

Manteo was overwhelmingly appreciated by his fans and followers on Twitter for behaving like a true Olympian and patriot. A follower named Dr Marco Belizaire tweeted:

@ manteomitchell The heart of a CHAMPION Saw the race and wondered what happened, now I know. Rest assured you will get that Gold Medal!!

— Dr Marco Belizaire (@DrMarcoDC) August 9, 2012

Another of his follower named Brittney Burns tweeted:

america became proud of @ manteomitchellwhen he broke his leg but still finished... WCU was proud the day he was accepted to the school.

— Brittney Burns (@brittney051888) August 9, 2012

Just a few days ago a Chinese track and field athlete Liu Xiang injured himself during the race, but, still managed to reach the finish line on one foot. Despite losing Xiang was able to gain respect of his fellow competitors and the audience.

It is quite probable that Manteo might have recalled the example set by Xiang and win a bonus prize of victory with respect. Also, one cannot ignore the fact that the top position in Olympics is currently oscillating between US and China.

Both countries are offering all they have to remain at the top and the case of Manteo Mitchell does exemplify it in an effective manner.