Joasia Zakszewski previously represented Great Britain Photo: Facebook
A leading British ultramarathon runner suspended for using a car during the race apologized for her " ;serious mistake" in receiving the third-place prize.
Dr. Joasia Zakrzewski, a general practitioner from Dumfries who now lives near Sydney, said the incident arose from a misunderstanding after she became ill, tired and lost biorhythms. She said she told the marshals that she was driving part of the 50-mile race.
Zakszewski raced the 2023 GB Ultras from Manchester to Liverpool 50 miles on 7 April but got lost on the track about halfway through and suffered pain in her leg. She says the pain increased to the point that she accepted a friend's offer of a ride to the next checkpoint.
"When I got to the checkpoint, I told them I was leaving and that I was in the car and they said 'You will hate yourself if you stop" Zakrzewski told BBC Scotland about this.
"I agreed to continue in a non-competitive manner. I took care not to overtake the one in front when I saw her, as I did not want to interfere with her race. However, Zakshevsky then accepted a medal and a wooden cup for third place. “I made a huge mistake accepting the trophy and had to return it,” she said. “I was tired, I had jet lag, and I felt sick. I put my hands up, I should have returned them and not photographed, but I felt bad, absent-minded and unclear."
Following her disqualification, third place was awarded to Mel Sykes, who tweeted this image of the tracking data.
Race tracking data showed spikes where Zakrezewski's speed suddenly increased. Photo: Twitter
«I'm an idiot and I want to apologize to Mel,» Zakszewski said. “It wasn't evil, it was a misunderstanding. I would never purposely cheat and it was not a target race, but I don't want to make excuses. Mel didn't get the glory at the finish line, and I'm sorry she didn't.
Zakrzewski said she was «devastated.» No. 34; by reaction after "haters" on social networks called for a ban for life.
Map data showed that a 47-year-old woman covered a mile in 1 minute 40 seconds, and it is believed that she drove about 2.5 miles in a car. .
'The race went wrong'
Wayne Drinkwater, race director for ultras in the UK, told the BBC it was «very disappointing».
"The issue was investigated and after examining the data, our race tracking system, GPX data, statements provided by our team, other competitors and the competitor herself, we can confirm that the runner has now been disqualified from the competition because she used a vehicle during part of the course," Drinkwater said.
"This matter is now under the jurisdiction of the TRA (Trail Running Association) and in turn UK Athletics (UKA) as regulators"
Zakrzewski finished 14th at the 2014 Commonwealth Games . marathon in Scotland and set UK records for the 100 and 200 miles.
Adrian Stott, a friend of the runner, told the BBC she «genuinely regrets» the run. and felt unwell before and during the race.
"The race did not go according to plan. She said she felt sick and tired during the race and wanted to retire.» he said.
«She cooperated fully with the organizers of the race.» investigation, giving them a full account of what happened. She sincerely regrets the upset."
Stott also explained that Zakszewski only arrived from Australia the night before the race, after a 48-hour journey.
«Joasia was great British Sports Ambassador and inspired so many women to run and achieve their goals.» he said.
David Owens, chairman of the Scottish Athletics, said: «Very disappointing to hear that, given that Joasia has had such a successful spell over the past few years.» /p>
"I hope she can forget about it, that there is an innocent explanation, and she can resume her successful career"
In February, Zakrzewski set a world distance record , covered in 48 hours, covering 255 miles at the ultramarathon in Taipei. She has represented Great Britain on several occasions at the IAU 100K World Championships, where she won individual silver in 2011 and bronze in 2014 and 2015.
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