"Elena Congost's disqualification sparks debate on ethics in Paralympic sports."

The final day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games turned into a stage of controversy and emotion following the disqualification of Spanish athlete Elena Congost. Congost, who had achieved a commendable bronze in the marathon, found herself in an unusual situation when she was disqualified for briefly letting go of the tether connecting her to her guide, Mia Carol, while the latter was suffering from severe cramps. In a reflexive act of humanity, the athlete chose to assist her guide, which, according to the rules of the International Paralympic Committee, led to her disqualification. The joy of victory turned to tears as Congost shared her experience after receiving the news of her disqualification. "I wasn't disqualified for cheating; I was disqualified for being human and for an instinct that comes out when someone is falling: to help them, to hold them," the athlete expressed with a choked voice. Her reaction highlighted the ethical dilemma athletes face in extreme situations, where empathy and competition seem to clash at the same moment. Despite the disqualification, the Spanish Paralympic Committee (CPE) did not remain idle. In a gesture of support, the CPE congratulated Congost and her guide, arguing that, in their opinion, the 40 medals achieved by Spanish athletes should have been 41. They also announced that they would consider granting Congost a scholarship, recognizing her achievements and bravery in the competition. The outcome of the race left a bittersweet taste, with several experts and sports figures questioning the rigidity of the rules. Jean Louis-Dupont, a Belgian jurist and specialist in Sports Law, did not hesitate to describe the situation as a "regulatory stupidity that undoubtedly deserves the gold medal for injustice." His words resonated strongly, reflecting the indignation of many who believe that the rule, while clear, does not take into account the human situations that arise in the heat of competition. The marathon was won by Moroccan Ezzhara El Idrissi, who set a new world record with a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds. However, the focus shifted to Congost's experience, as she had returned to the Paralympic Games after several years off due to motherhood, having competed in Rio de Janeiro 2016 before having four children. During the race, Congost had demonstrated excellent performance, crossing the finish line in 3 hours, 0 minutes, and 48 seconds. However, the fact that she let go of the tether at a moment of need for her guide, even if only for a few seconds, resulted in her disqualification. "I am devastated because I had the medal," she commented, reflecting the frustration of losing an achievement she had worked hard to attain. Sports rules are strict and designed to ensure fairness in competition. The regulations state that both the athlete and their guide must maintain the tether from the start to the finish of the race. However, many are questioning whether this rule should be reevaluated in exceptional situations where the guide's well-being is at risk. In this context, Miguel Carballeda, president of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, announced that a claim would be made to the International Paralympic Committee. "We will show them that humanely, it is a gesture that leaves an important mark on the world of sports," he stated, urging a review of the rules that, in his opinion, should be adapted to recognize the humanity of athletes. Elena Congost's story transcends the sports realm, raising questions about the nature of sport and ethics in competition. The disqualification has sparked a debate about how rules should balance competitive fairness and human compassion. The legacy of this experience could be a call to redefine what it means to be an athlete in the Paralympic Games, where humanity often must prevail over the rigidity of regulations. Congost's journey with her guide serves as a reminder that, at the heart of sports, there are values that transcend victory and defeat, and that sometimes, helping another can be as valuable as any medal.