Goule unlucky, plans to do well
NATOYA Goule’s World Championships golden pursuit ended in controversial fashion after she finished just outside the automatic qualifying spot, then saw her protest for obstruction quickly thrown through the window by the Jury of Appeal yesterday in Beijing.
Goule finished in fourth spot in her 800m first-round heat with a time of 2:02.37 minutes, but failed to advance to the semi-finals. The race was won by Fabienne Kohlmann of Germany in 2:01.42 minutes ahead of Joanna Jozwik of Poland with 2:01.62 minutes and Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, 2:01.72. Only the top three in each heat secured automatic qualifying spots plus the six fastest losers. Goule ended 33rd overall.
The diminutive Goule took off fast completing the first 400m in 57.96 seconds, but 150 metres from home she was involved in a bumping incident, lost her momentum and, despite her valiant fightback, finished fourth.
“I am disappointed with myself because I know what I went through and what I was supposed to do in the race, and if I wasn’t obstructed, I know I would have made it through to the next round,” Goule said.
“I was in front when I just felt somebody on my foot. And then when I reached the finish line, I was watching the video again and I saw that American Alysia Montano fell. I don’t really know what happened, but I got affected by it because somebody spiked me on my foot, but I had no bruises and for that I thank God,” Goule said with relief written on her face.
The Jamaican delegation then quickly lodged a protest saying that Goule was obstructed and should have advanced to the next round or have the race rerun based on Rule 163.
That rule on obstruction states that if an athlete is jostled or obstructed during event, so as to impede progress, then:
(a) if the jostling or obstruction is considered unintentional or is caused otherwise than by an athlete, the Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, order that the race be re-held or allow the affected athlete (or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event;
(b) if another athlete is found by the Referee to be responsible for the jostling or obstruction, such athlete (or his team) shall be liable to disqualification from that event. The Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, order that the race be re-held excluding any disqualified athlete (or team) or allow any affected athlete (or team) (other than any disqualified athlete or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event.
The Jamaicans were joined in their protest by the Americans for their athlete Montano who fell during the race. She apparently ran into the back of Goule.
The Jury of Appeal examined the videos of the race and the protests (Jamaica and USA) were rejected.
“Things happen and I am just going to go back and train hard for next year so these stuff won’t happen again, but I am fine,” said Goule.
“I didn’t make it to the next round, but I have to give God thanks because he has brought me this far and I can’t ask for nothing better,” she added.