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Harrogate's George Mills responds following clash with French athlete

Thursday, 8 August 2024 07:33

George Mills (left) and the field following his collision with Hugo Hay. (Images: @georgemills800 via Instagram)

Harrogate olympic athlete George Mills has spoken out following an altercation with French athlete Hugo Hay.

The pair collided during yesterday’s 5,000m heat and George fell to the ground - but the British athlete, 25, was reinstated by officials.

He will now contest the final on Saturday (10th August) following a review by the video referee.

Mills and Hay had a fiery altercation after the race, for which he has apologised.

George said via Instagram:

“Many of you will have seen what happened in my race earlier today.

“I have put my heart and soul into reaching the Olympic Games, and after the race I reacted in the heat of the moment, thinking my chance of an Olympic final had been taken away from me through no fault of my own.

“I’m glad the officials agreed with me, but I’d still like to apologise for my reaction.

“I now just can’t wait to race in the final on Saturday night. Thanks for all of your support.”

He had claimed Hay was responsible for the incident and that he had been disadvantaged as a result - a view shared by olympic officials.

When asked to share what he had said to Hay after the race, George said he "probably wasn't allowed to say."

The final will take place at 6:50pm on Saturday in Paris.

Sam Atkin and Patrick Dever, the other GB athletes in 5000m contention, did not make it through after they finished 13th and 18th respectively.

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