(CNN) — Two British triathletes were disqualified by an Olympics eligibility race in Tokyo for crossing the finish line .
Jess Learmonth along with Georgia Taylor-Brown passed over the line in a photo finish, holding one another’s hands and observing as they finished the World Triathlon Olympic Qualification Event from the host city of next year’s Olympic Games. Learmonth was declared the winner.
But despite being clear of their nearest competitors, the set have been disqualified for their show of solidarity.
The International Triathlon Union’s competition rules say that”athletes that finish in a contrived tie scenario, where no attempt to divide their finish times has been created will be DSQ (disqualified).”
Learmonth and Taylor-Brown still received support from numerous fellow athletes following the judgment.
“I’m really upset for all these winners. A telling off but dq??? Olympic places lost and lives possibly changed?!” British Olympian and Ironman winner Jodie Swallow composed on Twitter.
Bermuda’s Flora Duffy, that finished after the group, was elevated to the winner’s place, while Italian Alice Betto claimed second location.
For the pair the disqualification did not ultimately result in them falling out on areas in the next year’s Olympics.
The running part of this race has been cut from the Olympic distance of 10km to 5km because of poor weather, meaning Britain’s Olympic competitors will be decided later in the year instead of on the results of the contest.
Athlete Vicky Holland finished third as a consequence of the disqualification. She advised the British Triathlon regulating body:”It is was not the set of circumstances that you need if you win a medal but you have to play to what is offered to you and I’ve come out with a third place finish.”
“I actually believe like Jess and Georgia since they raced exceptionally well today and I feel as though they totally smashed it and deserved the initial and second finish,” she added.
Mike Cavendish, British Triathlon National Performance Director, added:”It’s obviously disappointing to have Jess and Georgia disqualified but it is a testament to the depth of the female squad we still have the other athlete on the podium.”
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