There has been a dramatic late twist in the Australian women’s 1500m final with young star Claudia Hollingsworth reinstated as the winner on Saturday.
Hollingsworth was disqualified on Friday night after she clipped Olympic silver medallist Jess Hull in the sprint finish down the Sydney home straight.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jess Hull falls after tangle with Hollingsworth
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Hull, who was leading at the time but appeared to slightly deviate as Hollingsworth was making her move, hit the deck.
Hollingsworth then went on to cross the finish line in first place in a time of 4:17.06 (ahead of Sarah Billings and third-placed Abbey Caldwell), but the 20-year-old was stripped of victory after two separate protests were made, including one from Caldwell.
In turn, Hollingsworth appealed and on Saturday afternoon Australian Athletics issued a statement saying she had been crowned the winner after a review of all “available footage”.
Jess Hull hits the deck during the women’s 1500m final. Credit: Channel 7
“Claudia Hollingsworth has been reinstated as the winner of the 1500m at the Australian Athletics Championships after an appeals process by Australian Athletics,” the statement said.
“The panel found after viewing all the available footage and interviewing concerned parties Hollingsworth’s appeal was upheld.
“A request for a rerun of the 1500m is not feasible at these championships, but the Australian Athletics High Performance Department and Selection Committee will review its status as a selection race.”
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