In a dramatic incident during the men’s 5000m heat at Stade de France, British athlete George Mills engaged in a heated confrontation with France’s Hugo Hay following a collision. As multiple competitors fell during the final lap, Hay managed to stay on his feet while Mills and others tumbled down.
Post-race, Mills and Hay were captured arguing, with Mills gesturing emphatically towards Hay, accusing him of causing the collision. After a review by race officials, Mills was deemed to have been unfairly impeded, and he has since advanced to the final scheduled for Saturday.
Mills expressed his frustration, stating, “I think it’s pretty clear. I got stepped out on as I was about to kick in the home straight and boom, the French lad took me down.” When asked about his confrontation with Hay, he remarked, “I’m probably not allowed to say.”
At just 25 years old, Mills demonstrated confidence in his performance leading up to the incident, having completed the first 2 kilometers in six minutes. “I was just sitting, waiting, biding my time, gonna kick off the home straight then bang, hit the deck. What can you do?” he commented.
Former Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram criticized Mills for being in what he described as a “bad position” during the race, suggesting that he should have reacted earlier to the unfolding dynamics. Cram highlighted the risks associated with slow-paced races, noting, “the chances of people going down are increased incredibly.”
Hay, reflecting on the collision, stated, “There was a big collision. It’s not me. Somebody pushed me. I turned around and everyone was on the floor, so I hope it’s not me. I feel really good.”
