Heartwarming scenes after star finishes last in men’s 50km walk

The Olympics have given us countless heartwarming moments, and an Ecuadorean athlete has provided us with yet another in the men’s 50km walk.

Claudio Villanueva Flores was shattered after completing the men's 50km walk.

Crossing the line last is rarely an enjoyable feeling but there are some moments when it doesn’t matter where you place, so long as you finish.

That scenario rang true in the men’s 50km walk, an event notorious for its gruelling nature.

As Poland’s Dawid Tomala won gold with a time of 3:50:08, Ecuador’s Claudio Villanueva Flores was well behind the victor.

Flores didn’t cross the finish line until over an hour later, clocking in at 4:53:09.

The 33-year-old, competing at his second Olympic Games, was physically and emotionally shattered as he staggered towards the finish line.

You can see the physical strain etched on Flores' face after crossing the finish line.

But as he grimaced with every step towards the end, Olympic officials had lined the sidewalks and were offering applause and support to the Ecuadorean.

As soon as he crossed the line, Flores was overcome with emotion as an official lathered his back with an ice pack and draped a cold towel over his neck.

Flores is then seemingly held up by another official as his body almost gives out on him, having pushed himself to the limit in the humid heat of Tokyo for almost five hours.

Flores hugs his coach in emotional scenes after the race.

The commentary team were in awe of Flores’ phenomenal achievement, and couldn’t believe he was still up on both feet.

“It brings tears to my eyes watching that,” one commentator said. “How he can even stay standing on his feet, I do not know.

“I’ve got a lump in my throat.”

Another commentator added: “It’s the first time a 47th-placed finisher has brought tears to my eyes, but it’s lovely to see.

“I salute you, Claudio.”

Claudio Villanueva Flores was shattered after completing the men's 50km walk.

Flores’ coach eventually makes his way over to his athlete, where he immediately gives him a big hug.

The Ecuadorean was openly weeping as he refused the aid of a wheelchair brought over by an official.

These Olympics have produced so many awesome scenes since it began and Flores’ mind-blowing feat of overcoming not just severe physical pain, but mental fatigue too, was as inspiring and heartwarming as it gets.

Originally published as Heartwarming scenes after star finishes last in men’s 50km walk