Shattering moment for walk champion

SERIOUS health issues denied this French 50km walk world record holder from converting his dominance of the event into Olympic gold. WARNING: Graphic images

France's Yohann Diniz competes in the Men's 50km Race Walk.

WARNING: Graphic images

FRENCHMAN Johann Diniz is as good as it gets in the 50km race walk, holding the world record and winning three European championships.

But his Olympic career has been a nightmare. In 2008, on an extremely humid day in Beijing, he was forced to withdraw from the race around 30km in after experiencing stomach and leg pain.

Yohann Diniz, of France, splashes water onto his head during the men's 50-km race walk.

Four years later in London he finished in eighth place but was immediately disqualified after crossing the finish line for taking a water bottle outside of the prescribed zones on the track.

But the 38-year-old refused to let the disappointment – and persistent pain in his inguinal ligament that resulted in him withdrawing from last year’s world championships – keep him from achieving his dream in Rio.

Yohann Diniz of France uses a sponge to cool off during the Men's 50km Race Walk

And for much of today’s race it was going to script. Diniz broke away early and opened up a 90 second lead on a chasing pack featuring Australian Jarred Tallent by the 30km mark. The race looked his.

But the health problems which have plagued his career struck again as he momentarily lost control of his bowels and soiled himself.

Yohann Diniz shat, walked, collapsed, and still finished 8th. Who was 9th?! #Rio2016 #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/ROysJdI4l7

— Tyler Richardson (@Ty1erRichardson) August 19, 2016

Diniz was in a bad way and collapsed on the track. He managed to regain his feet and push on but after being caught by the chasing pack he hit the deck again.

France's Yohann Diniz sponges away blood as he competes in the Men's 50km Race Walk.

It ruled out any chance of victory but the French veteran battled on valiantly to finish eighth behind silver medallist Tallent and race winner Matej Toth, of Slovakia. He was hailed on social media for his brave effort.

Heart is breaking for Yohann Diniz. Brave, brave showing

— Mick Ring (@MickRing83) August 19, 2016

The courage, balls and determination Yohann #Diniz is showing..actually unbelievable #Olympics #mens50km #Hero

— Emma Kavanagh (@Kavster34) August 19, 2016

Respect Yohann Diniz 👏🏻

— Kery (@Francois_Kery) August 19, 2016

Yohann Diniz of France deserves to hold the flag at the next opening ceremony. Dude is a champ. #racewalk #RioOlympics2016

— adrienne____elise (@Sheeg_) August 19, 2016

#Olympics Also Yohann Diniz is as tough as granite...

— Hilary Evans (@OlympicStatman) August 19, 2016

Yohann Diniz has quickly become my favourite athlete of the Olympics... incredible ammount of bravery and passion

— kit messinger (@kit_messinger) August 19, 2016

France's Yohann Diniz competes in the Men's 50km Race Walk.

Tallent looked to have his second Olympic gold medal in hand when he surged clear at the 40km mark but with just over 2km the fairytale script took on a new ending.

Toth came out of the chasing pack and gobbled up Tallent who at one stage had got out to a 20-second advantage.