I just heard through a friend that Claire Lomas, who is closing in on finishing the marathon, despite being paralysed 5 years ago in a riding accident, will not be given a medal by the VLM organisers because she has not competed the run in 24 hours. What a shame these small minded petty beurocrats cannot see beyond the end of their rule book and recognise this young lady for the immense achievement she is close to realising. More here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/athletics/london-marathon/9243376/Paralysed-London-Marathon-walker-nears-finish-line.html
Comments
I'm sure she knew before she started that she wouldn't be getting a medal and I'm sure it makes no difference to her.
I don't treasure my medals but I do treasure my achievements.
Presumably she was aware of the T + C before entering, so she may well know the situation regarding the lack of medal. I saw her being interviewed by the BBC earlier tonight and got the impression that she was more interested in completing the distance and then raising awareness of and funds for the charity than getting a medal. They also mentioned that there are a number of runners who have pledged to be there at the finish whenever that will be, together with the suggestions that they would donate their medals to her.
If you have 'flexibility' for one person, you have to be flexible for everyone else who wants to do something similar, so you might as well not have the rule in the first place.
If you have a rule, you have to stick to it. How could they determine who was deserving of 'flexibility' and who was not? That would cause even more of an outcry.
She won't get a medal but looks like she will get a trophy from Richard Branson its a new thing called the "virgin trophy" apparently and recognises the man or woman that goes the extra mile. Looks bloody smart IMO