College athlete Shelby Erdahl proved she was made of stern stuff during the women’s 400-metre hurdles final at the Big Sky Track and Field Championships.
It was going to be the final race of the Idaho State athlete’s college career and she was clearly determined to give it her absolute best shot.
Heartbreakingly, Erdahl ruptured her left Achilles’ tendon with five hurdles still to go in the race.
Video from EverSport.
But rather than pull up as everyone would have expected, she decided she was going to complete the race and by doing so earn her team at least a point.
The pain of the final stretch was written across her face as she struggled around the track, barely able to to get herself over each hurdle as she reached it.
Teammates were waiting at the finish line to catch Erdahl as she stumbled over the line, almost two full minutes behind the rest of the field.
It wasn’t the time she was hoping for, but a huge personal victory nonetheless.
Her courage and determination won the admiration of many.
I thought I was tough until I saw #ShelbyErdahl run with a torn Achilles.
— My Dog Shula (@mydogShula) May 20, 2016
One of the most courageous things I've ever seen. #shelbyerdahl
— Batman (@TheDallasBatman) May 20, 2016
Never thought I could be proud of someone I've never met before. Congrats to Shelby Erdahl for finishing the race w/ ruptured Achilles! #MVP
— Ryan Salomon (@RWSalomonation) May 20, 2016
“Sometimes sport is not about winning, but getting up.”
