Tom Walsh and the dreaded red flag

Tom Walsh narrowly avoided a shock early exit from the Olympics when the men’s shot put qualifying rounds were held today.

Walsh, the bronze medallist in Rio in 2016, was fouled on all three of his qualifying attempts.

On the first one it was ruled his foot had touched outside the circle on his spin, and that may have been the case.

His second attempt, which was 20.38m, was also red flagged, though it was difficult to know why.

Walsh appealed and a few minutes the throw was ruled legitimate. That was some relief to Walsh, but the distance, 20.38m was not far enough to ensure he qualified for Thursday’s final.

The world No 2 geared himself for his third and final effort, knowing he needed a good one. Walsh sent the shot flying into the distance and it was measured at 21.49m, but out came the dreaded red flag again.

At that point it looked as if Walsh had failed to qualify and as he walked off the field he still did not know his status.

Then came news that the third decision had also been overturned and he was suddenly promoted to the position of top qualifier.

Walsh, 29, was remarkably relaxed throughout the bizarre proceedings.

Later, reflecting on what had gone on, he said: “That’s taken a few years off my life. Before I got here tonight I was going to die at 85. After that, I’m going to die at 80!”

Walsh said he thought all three of his efforts were legitimate and did not even know why they were being red flagged. “It’s quite nerve-racking for everyone involved.”

The New Zealander was very understanding. “Athletes have their bad days and the officials had a bad day too. Lucky we are in the 21st century and we’re able to have these things video reviewed and get them changed.”

He said he usually knew when he had fouled, and thought all today’s efforts were fine.

Not short of a sense of humour, he said he would be heading back to the Olympic Village “for a whiskey or two. It will take a while to calm down from that.”

New Zealand’s other competitor in the shot put qualifying was Aucklander Jacko Gill. He finished sixth in his group after a sequence of 20.65m, 20.52m and 20.96m. 

The top qualifier overall was American Ryan Crouser, the heavy favourite, who managed 22.05m. Walsh was second and Gill ninth.