Every long-distance running fan has been glued to the updates from the Paris Olympics today. The reason was that Rahel Daniel was all set to take the track today in the 10,000m event. The Eritrean runner had long since remained away from the limelight. Ultimately, after February 2023, she didn’t have any registered results. So today was the day to witness her. She started excellently, as up to 2000m of the 10k race, Rahel was the top runner. But everything changed in seconds.
As per the update, she walked out of the track, not to return. The fans did not receive any reason leading to Rahel Daniel’s scratching out. One such fan commented, “Eritrean Rahel Daniel was leading the women’s 10000m and suddenly decided to walk off the race after the first 2000m. ‘F*ck this shit. It is too humid for my liking’ kind of reaction from Rahel.” Yet, her exit remained a different ball game.
As per the update, she wanted to leave the arena by the call room. But the rules say that every athlete will have to leave the arena by the mixed zone only, which is at the finishing line. So, the securities did not allow her to go in that way. Ultimately, the entire situation elevated it to a confusing show. And everyone had no idea how to act in such a precarious moment. But it surely didn’t help Rahel Daniel’s stature.
Coming from a humble background, the 22-year-old has almost every national record in middle and long-distance running. In the 5000m, she holds the national record of 14:36.66, whereas in the 10,000m, her best timing is 30:12.15—another national record in the Eritrean track and field sphere. Even today, she had a favorable chance to take a medal home.
As the final result had been published, Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet grabbed the top position in the women’s 10,000m race. Yet her timing (30:43.25) remains a less spectacular affair compared to the national record Rahel Daniel set at the same event. So fans have yet to connect the dots that forced her to leave the track hastily. However, they have practiced their guessing ability.
Rahel Daniel pulls out of the race like a ‘rabbit’
After living away from the limelight, Rahel Daniel could have utilized the Paris Olympics as her return stage. But the backing off today left a question mark on her successful return to track. Realizing that, one fan commented, “Why did Rahel Daniel quit the race when she was actually leading the race?” Another fan went one step ahead to find a suitable reason.
“I didn’t know there are pacemakers in the women’s 10,000m final! That front runner Rahel Daniel of Eritrea has just pulled out like a #DiamondLeague rabbit!!” claimed the fan. But the question may have remained the same: why did she back out despite all the facilities?
Well, nobody knows yet. And this will continue to stir the track world for quite a bit. Till then, statements like “Eritrea’s Rahel Daniel has withdrawn midway through the women’s 10,000m race” will keep the feed busy. Or queries like “What happened to Rahel Daniel?! She was leading and then disappeared” will also come. But she will have to shed light on this question.
