Just write this one up in the “superhero” category. Sprinter Manteo Mitchell was running as part of the respected 4×400 meter relay team for the United States. The sprinter was running along at blazing speed when he felt a “pop” in his leg.
But rather than give up on his teammates, Mitchell continued to run and complete the race. His split time, 46.1, is considered quite good, given his condition.
“I felt like somebody had literally just snapped my leg in half,” Mitchell told The Associated Press.
“I heard it and I felt it. But I figured it’s what almost any person would’ve done in that situation.”
Mitchell said that he first injured his leg three days ago while walking up some steps. He got his treatment and said that he felt fine. But that wasn’t the case.
“As soon as I took the first step past the 200-meter mark, I felt it break,” he said. “I heard it. I even put out a little war cry, but the crowd was so loud you couldn’t hear it.
The US team still finished in a blazing fast time of 2 minutes, 58.87 seconds. That wouldn’t win them the gold, but it’s good enough to get them to the finals.
“I saw Josh Mance motioning me in for me to hand (the baton) off to him, which lifted me,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t want to let those three guys down, or the team down, so I just ran on it.”
He said that the pain just continued to get worse with every stride.
“Every step I took, it got more painful,” he added. “But I was out there already. I just wanted to finish and do what I was called in to do.”
Doctors are saying that Mitchell broke his left fibula. He is now on crutches.
Waoh! Talk of responsibility and determination, I don't know which comes first