French Runner Faces Allegations of Racism and Homophobia
- French athlete Hugo Hay has been accused of making racist and homophobic slurs.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics have not yet responded to these allegations.
- The situation raises concerns about governance and behavior in professional sports.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics are under pressure to address the actions of 27-year-old French runner Hugo Hay, who has been accused of tripping Britain's George Mills during the heats of the men’s 5,000 meters. Hay's alleged misconduct is compounded by his history of posting racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic messages online, some of which date back over a decade. Recent posts have also included derogatory terms for homosexuals, raising concerns about his conduct both on and off the track. The incident occurred during a heated race where Mills, the son of former England footballer Danny Mills, fell after being tripped by Hay. Despite the chaos, Hay managed to qualify for the final, while Mills was later advanced to the final after officials determined he had been unfairly disadvantaged. Mills expressed frustration over the incident, stating, “I got stepped out on as I was about to kick in the home straight,” and hinted at the intensity of their confrontation, saying, “I’m probably not allowed to say” what he told Hay. In addition to the race controversy, Hay has made headlines for his remarks regarding Israeli athletes, stating he “understands” those who refuse to compete against them. He also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for his stance on welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Paris during the Games. As the 5,000m final approaches, the spotlight remains on Hay and the potential repercussions from the IOC and World Athletics.