- Jamaican Sprinter Suffers Ocular Injuries in Golf Buggy Collision
- Hudson’s Brave Attempt to Compete Despite Impaired Vision
- Rescheduling of 200-Meter Preliminaries After Collision Investigation
Andrew Hudson, a Jamaican sprinter, sustained ocular injuries after a collision between two golf buggies at the Budapest World Athletics Championships.
After the collision, which delayed the first of three 200-meter semi-finals by 24 minutes, Hudson required nearly 20 minutes of medical attention and was visibly distressed.
He ran despite his compromised vision, but his fifth-place result in 20.38 seconds excluded him from Friday’s final.
After the Jamaican team successfully appealed, World Athletics later permitted Hudson to compete in the final.
“I returned to medical, and the doctor told me I had shards of glass in my eye,” Hudson told reporters, still squinting as he spoke. “He attempted to flee as best he could. World Athletics inquired as to whether or not I would compete. It was either run or forfeit my position. I worked so hard to be here, so I decided to at least give it a shot. And I attempted”
The accident, which was severe enough to eject one of the drivers from a buggy, occurred as the athletes were being transported from the warm-up track to the stadium, prompting World Athletics to move the second semi-final to the front of the schedule so that athletes could recuperate.
When asked about the contest, Hudson responded, “I have no idea. There was a great deal occurring. My vision was blurry. The race was a whirlwind. I commend the athletes’ patience and willingness to participate in our competition later on.”
The U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles, who won the 100-meter final on Sunday, was also involved in the collision but was uninjured and qualified quickest with a time of 19.75. Zharnel Hughes placed second in his semi-final, behind Erriyon Knighton of the United States.
According to a statement from the Budapest organizing committee, the 200-meter preliminaries were rearranged due to a collision between two golf carts. Athletes and volunteers were evaluated, and the athlete received clearance to participate. The volunteer is excellent as well.
“The Local Organising Committee is investigating the incident and reviewing transport procedures.”
