How much time would you take off from work or whatever you have to do if you were physically assaulted?
A lot of people would take at least a couple of days before they returned to regular programming.
Not French hurdler Wilfried Happio though.
Happio runs the 400m hurdles and was set to compete in the race at the French championships but was attacked before during his warmup for the race 20 minutes before it was set to start. He was left with a bloodied eye and was coughing up blood. He still ran the race.
Not only did he run the race but he also won with a time of 48.57 seconds Even with a makeshift eye patch on.
French athlete Happio, set to compete in the national meet in Caen on Saturday evening, was warming up when he was attacked.
The individual incredibly got past security and violently assaulted the 23-year-old track star, landing several punches to the face.
Olivier Vallaeys, the athlete’s coach, was forced to step in to block the attacker, before police eventually arrested them.
Happio was left battered and bruised, with French outlet RMC Sport reporting that he was coughing up blood just moments before the race.
But he declared himself fit to compete – taking to the track with an eyepatch held in place by a headband – and dramatically won it in a personal-best time of 48.57.
Happio, who went to hospital for further tests, roared with delight after winning in a personal best time of 48.57 – the Parisian will now compete in July’s World Championships in Oregon
‘But I’m speechless, it’s a mess. Sheer aggression. It’s outrageous. These are savage methods.’
Parisian Happio – who went to hospital for further examinations – will now compete in July’s World Championships in Oregon, United States. He previously raced at that level in 2019, placing 33rd after crashing out in the heats.
Le Parisien have reported the French Athletics Federation and the city of Caen will file a complaint against the attacker on Sunday.
Such an incredible story.
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