Paralympics upset as Aussie disqualified for finish-line act

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Australian vision-impaired runner Jaryd Clifford was "shattered" after losing a Paralympic bronze medal in the 5000m for a rules violation.   

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Clifford and his guide crossed the finish line in third place and thought they'd won bronze, but officials disqualified them.  

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Clifford slipped his guide's rope before crossing the finish line in the men's T13 final, which is against the regulations. Vision-impaired runners must stay connected until the race is over.  

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After losing his bronze medal, Clifford, the only runner to utilize a guide, was obviously upset when speaking to media.  

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The 25-year-old wanted to appeal, but the International Paralympic Committee said he had no grounds.  

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"I went and saw mum and dad and my girlfriend and broke down," he added. The trackside was where I cried. I grieved about results. While on the track, I felt numb and still do. To be honest, I'm devastated. We went in for gold.  

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He posted on social media: "I'm gutted we made such a big error today. Guides must stay tied, and I'm devastated that I went insane in those final metres. I promise to give my everything in the 1500m on Tuesday."  

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The verdict angered fans even if it didn't affect the outcome. Even with the tether, Clifford would have finished third and gained nothing from dropping it.  

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