‘Absolutely devastated’: Aussie slams ‘vitriol’ after 1.2km Olympics marathon farce

Australia’s Sinead Diver has claimed “online vitriol” contributed to her pulling out of the Olympic marathon just a kilometre into the race.

Sinead Diver has claimed “online vitriol” over Australia’s marathon selection controversy “played a part in my body breaking down”, following her brutal withdrawal from the Paris Olympics just minutes into the race.

Diver, 47, pulled out of Sunday’s marathon just 1.2km after the start of the Paris circuit.

Still in the very early stages of the race, she was distressed and suddenly stopped and walked to the side of the road, leaning against a barrier and shaking her leg before exiting the course.

It appeared to onlookers Diver may have opted to start the race despite carrying an injury concern.

“Sinead Diver withdrew from the marathon after experiencing bilateral cramping in both quadriceps at Paris 2024,” the AOC explained in a statement.

“She is devastated and being supported by team officials and medical staff.

“Despite managing plantar fasciitis at times this year, there was no physical reason for Sinead to not compete today.”

Australia’s Jessica Stenson finished 13th in a time of 2:26.45, while Genevieve Gregson was 24th in 2:29.56.

At one stage the Aussie duo were leading the race on the hilly course in Paris, before Dutch legend Sifan Hassan claimed gold, becoming the first runner to win gold in the 5000m, 10,000m and the marathon over the course of two Olympics.

Australian marathon runner Sinead Diver pulls out of the marathon.

The selection of the marathon team was one of the big dramas before the Olympics, with six Aussie women going under the qualifying time, including Lisa Weightman.

A four-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, Weightman had the third fastest time in the qualification period.

With Australia allowed to select three athletes, selectors opted for Stenson, who was ranked fourth on times and was returning to form after having a baby in September last year.

Weightman had the third best time in the qualifying period but was overlooked.

Weightman’s non-selection for Paris led to an enormous spat, with the 45-year-old devastated at missing out and appealing the decision all the way up to the National Sports Tribunal.

But it fell on deaf ears and Australian Olympic great Sally Pearson weighed into the drama in an exclusive column for news.com.au when the situation blew up back in May.

Pearson wrote: “I’m stoked for all three of them (that earned selection). Unfortunately, their selection has come at a price.

“It’s a very grey area, but in black-and-white terms it’s simple to say Weightman qualified with the third quickest time and did everything she could to earn a spot on the plane to France.

“Her time of 2:23:15 was only behind Gregson’s 2:23:08 and Diver’s 2:21:34, but ahead of Izzi Batt-Doyle (2:23:27), Eloise Wellings (2:25:47) and critically Stenson (2:24:01).

“I’m disappointed with the national selection panel, but I’m more shocked at the integrity of Athletics Australia and how this has become a total farce.”

Sinead Diver says the selection controversy took a toll on her. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

In a lengthy post after the race, Diver said she was “devastated” by her withdrawal, explaining she had been managing a foot issue.

“I’m absolutely devastated to have had to DNF at my second Olympic games,” Diver wrote on Instagram.

“I was dealing with a plantar issue in the lead-in to this race.

“It was manageable and I was training, fit and ready to race.

“That had nothing to do with why I pulled out.

“In the warm up, my quads started to spasm without any warning

“I hoped it would resolve as I started running, but it didn’t and they seized up within the first km to the point that I couldn’t bend my knees.”

Diver, who ran the fastest marathon by an Aussie woman (2:21.04) in 2022, believes the furore over the Olympic selection contributed to her injury.

“I don’t fully understand what’s caused this,” she said.

“The lead in to this race has been one of the most challenging times of my life.

“The vitriol online has had a significant impact on my mental health and I have no doubt that has played a part in my body breaking down in this way.

“The culmination of stress over the last few weeks has finally taken its toll.”

Jess Stenson finished 13th at the Olympics. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Genevieve Gregson after the marathon in Paris. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I’m aware of some of the negative commentary during and since the race.

“But this time I’m not going to listen.

“This is what happened. If you choose not to believe it, then so be it.

“Thank you to everyone else who has shown kindness & empathy and sent messages of support to acknowledge that we are all human and sometimes things happen that are out of our control, no matter how hard we try.”

Diver also paid tribute to Gregson and Stenson, who commented on Diver’s post: “Your bravery yesterday morning is something that I will never forget Sinead. I feel very fortunate to have you as a role model and a teammate. We love you.”

Sinead Diver, Genevieve Gregson and Jessica Stenson celebrate being selected. Picture: David Caird

Fellow Aussie distance runner Eloise Wellings said: “Standing with you Diver. Sorry you’ve had to go through this. You have effectively pioneered the way for what could be possible for all of us marathon women. Grateful. Love you.”

Early in Sunday’s race, Diver joined American Fiona O’Keeffe, who won the US Olympic marathon trial this year, in pulling out shortly after it began.

“We had Sinead Diver who was struggling and Fiona O’Keeffe. Diver and O’Keeffe are now official registered DNF (did not finish),” the commentator said.

“We’ve lost the Australian, the oldest entrant in the athletics at these Olympics at 47, who had been really good in recent years and ran really well in Tokyo (finishing 10th), but was obviously struggling.”