Wilfried Happio jumped before running the 400m hurdles.
Then the Frenchman came out and beat his personal best result – securing a place in the World Cup.
– I am completely speechless, says Happio’s coach, Olivier Valais.
Today, 23-year-old Wilfried Happio is the French champion in the 400m hurdles. But recharging it before was messy to say the least.
20 minutes before the start of the competition, someone jumped him, something RMC Sport, among others, reported. According to the information, he was beaten so badly that he started coughing up blood, shortly before the start of the race.
His coach had to intervene before the police finally arrested the person who had jumped on Happio.
Despite the turmoil, Happio wanted to complete the competition, and put on a headband to cover one eye.
Beat your personal best
How did you go in the race? Happio finished first with a time of 48.57. Hence, he is best known for his personal best and winning also means a guaranteed place at the World Cup in Eugene, Oregon.
– I don’t want to talk about what happened. Vibes were good during the race, and I’m glad I succeeded, says Happio afterwards.
Coach Oliver Valais:
– Someone jumped on (Habio) and hit him. A man came out of nowhere and threw himself in his face. I’m totally speechless, it’s a big mess. It’s outrageous. But the guy was arrested and Wilfred is fine, he says.
When he participated in WC 2019, he placed 33.