News / Sports

Iranian sprinter Taftian crashes out of 2016 Rio Olympics

Monday, 15 August 2016 12:38 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 15 August 2016 7:20 PM ]

Nickel Ashmeade of Jamaica (L), French sprinter Jimmy Vicaut (C) and Iran’s Hassan Taftian compete in men's 100-meter semifinals of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 14, 2016. (© Reuters)

Iranian sprinter Hassan Taftian has bowed out of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games after failing to find a place in the final round of athletics contests at the major international multi-sport event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old Iranian athlete took part in the men’s 100-meter semifinal race at the Olympic Stadium, and clocked 10.23 seconds to come last in his group, and did not manage to claim a spot in the final challenge.

“I did all my best but could not realize my own expectations. I rather loved to be the first Asian to make it into the 100-meter sprint final, but Japanese sprinter [Ryota Yamagata] lived out the dream,” Taftian said after his failed bid.

He added, “I had tried hard, but tonight came to the terms that I should endeavor much more than before to reach the final. I hold no one other than myself responsible for the failure. Even though some view my qualification for the semifinals of the men’s 100-meter event as an achievement, I have a different opinion. What I cherished was to progress to the finals – something which did not happen.”

Jamaican sprinter Usain St. Leo Bolt, who is regarded as the fastest person ever timed, clocked 9.81 seconds at the men’s 100-meter final, and stood on top of the podium on Sunday evening.

Canada’s 21-year-old Andre De Grasse and Justin Gatlin of the United States registered 9.92 and 9.94 seconds respectively to land in the second and third places.

Athletics competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics started at the Rio Olympic Stadium on August 12, and will conclude on August 21.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk