Team Scotland confirmed on Sunday that Callum Hawkins is recovering after collapsing during the final stages of the marathon at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
The 25-year-old is said to be making a "good recovery" after suffering from heat exhaustion during the race. He was subsequently taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.
Hawkins was leading by two minutes with less than two miles to the finish line when he collapsed. The Scot managed to get back to his feet after collapsing on the kerb. However, his uprightness did not last long as he again fell, this time hitting his head on a rail by the roadside.
On commentary for BBC, Steve Cram called it "disgraceful" that Hawkins did not received medical attention sooner.
"He hit his head on the barrier," said Cram.
I’m sorry if you’re watching this at home, it’s really distressing. He’s going to hurt himself. There’s nobody anywhere near. We should have some more medical attention.
This is a guy in real distress and someone needs to recognise it. Where on earth is the help? Where is the medical stagg? You cannot just wait at the finish line - people get in distress further down the course. The marshalls are there, they’ve got radios. And finally somebody arrives.
Poor Callum Hawkins. He's delirious. I think it’s disgraceful.
On Twitter, Paula Radcliffe was also critical of the medical response. "Medics were shockingly slow to get there and then to act when they did. The athlete will always want to finish but isn't able to think rationally at that point," wrote Radcliffe in reply to one Twitter user.
She also said spectators taking pictures of Hawkins while he lay on the road should be ashamed of themselves.
Watching the end of the marathon this morning and so upset to see Callum Hawkins collapse but glad to read that he is recovering well. Horrible to see people just standing watching him in such distress and not helping, some actually taking picture is a disgrace #GC2018
— Lee McConnell (@LeeMcConnell400) April 15, 2018
Australian Michael Shelley went on to retain his Commonwealth Games marathon title following Hawkins's collapse.
Distressing & upsetting moment Callum Hawkins collapses in the #CommonwealthGames2018 men’s #marathon & the shocking 15min delay before he is taken away by medics. Disgraceful! See the full video here: https://t.co/QO6a1q9fJP #CallumHawkins #MensMarathon #CommonwealthGames pic.twitter.com/2ws7zqePh0
— Ickle Misty (@UnlovableT) April 15, 2018
Here's the Team Scotland statement regaring Callum Hawkins.
Team Scotland is pleased to confirm that Callum Hawkins continues to make a good recovery from the heat exhaustion and subsequent collapse he experienced during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Marathon today. He will remain in Gold Coast University Hospital overnight as a precaution and will be assessed again in the morning by our medical team.
Whilst Callum's recovery is our clear priority, we are still reviewing the circumstances of today's race with GOLDOC and the CGF to ensure the continued health and well-being of all athletes remains paramount.
We would like to thank all the supporters and well-wishers, both here in Australia and back in Scotland for their messages of concern and best wishes having witnessed the distressing images today.
Speaking from his hospital bed Callum Hawkins added: "Thanks for all your messages of support today and to the Gold Coast University Hospital staff. I am now feeling much better."
