Commonwealth Games viewers and commentators were left shocked when Scotland's Callum Hawkins collapsed less than 2km short of the finish line in the men's marathon.
Hawkins was leading the competition by almost two minutes before his heartbreaking end to the event.
During the race on the Gold Coast, he looked certain to claim the gold, until he was seen struggling before collapsing.
Determined, he tried to continue the race before he collapsed again, hitting his head on a barrier.
Australia's Mike Shelley won the race but the audience was left disturbed by Hawkins' exit.
Callum Hawkins of Scotland collapses as he competes in the Men's marathon on day 11 of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Getty
Many have since criticised how long it took medical staff to attend to Hawkins, who was physically in distress.
BBC's sports commentator Steve Cram said it was a "disgrace" - noting the time it took for any paramedics to attend to Hawkins.
"Where on earth is the help? You cannot just wait at the finish line. They've got radios. And finally, somebody arrives. I think it's disgraceful."
Shelley ran past Hawkins as help arrived. The Australian went on to claim victory.
Hawkins was eventually transported by ambulance and is "receiving medical treatment".
The temperature on the Gold Coast during the event was about 30 degrees Celcius.
It's believed officials informed spectators not to help Hawkins, believing medical support was on the way.
The rules of the race would have seen him disqualified if he had received assistance but help did not arrive and he was left lying on the ground for several minutes.
Channel 7 commentator and Australian athletics great Tamsyn Lewis said the rules of the sport should have been thrown out after the incident.
Callum Hawkins of Scotland collapses in the Men's marathon on day 11 of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Getty
She said the spectators should have helped him.
“I think now is the time. An athlete works all their life to win gold medals. But there is one thing more important than that, his health. He should be assisted now.
Seven's Bruce McAvaney said officials should have tried to stop Hawkins from trying to run on after he collapsed the first time.
“This is distressing. Incredibly distressing. He needs some help. Somebody please come and help him.”
What the hell is the matter with the medical officials at the #commonwealthgames?!! .... marathon leader Callum Hawkins not just in obvious distress, he’s hit his head a couple of times falling... no help in sight, just people taking pictures on their phones
Callum Hawkins of Scotland is given assistance as he collapses in the Men's marathon.
Getty
