World Athletics Championships: Aussie Dane Bird collapses at end of gruelling 20km walk in Doha

Dane Bird was rushed to a special cooling tent by Aussie medical officials after collapsing at the end of a gruelling 20km walk in stifling conditions at the World Athletic Championships.

Dane Bird led the 20km walk early but faded to finish 14th.

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Australia’s Dane Bird-Smith had to be carried away by medical staff after succumbing to Doha’s gruelling conditions in the 20km walk.

Despite the event starting at 11.30pm, the heat and humidity was still a major factor in the race which was won by Japan’s Toshikazu Yamanishi (1hr26min34sec).

Bird-Smith finished over five minutes behind the winner in 14th place (1:32.11sec).

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Dane Bird led the 20km walk early but faded to finish 14th.

Once he crossed the line, the Queenslander bent over and put his hands on his knees before then falling face down on the track.

Medical staff rushed to his aid but an exhausted Bird-Smith refused a wheelchair before being taken away by Australian medical staff to a special cooling tent.

He was later cleared of any issues and returned to the team hotel.

The Rio Olympic bronze medallist had started the race brilliantly and was leading through the 5km mark before he being swamped by the chasing pack.

It was around this time that Yamanishi made his move, breaking away from the field and from there he was never threatened.

Five walkers failed to complete the event including Australia’s Rhydian Cowley who succumbed around the 12km mark (at starting time the temperature was 32 degrees with 70 per cent humidity).

The hot and steamy conditions have been a major talking point in Doha with the women’s marathon - which started at midnight - becoming a farce with only 40 of the 68 starters able to finish the race.