Elena Congost, a Spanish Paralympic runner, recently received a scholarship following a devastating moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Competing in the T12 marathon for visually impaired athletes, Congost was disqualified near the finish line despite being in third place. The disqualification occurred when her guide, Mia Carol, cramped and stumbled just meters from the end, prompting Congost to momentarily let go of their tether to assist him—a breach of Paralympic rules that led to her exclusion from medal contention. This decision, which denied Congost a bronze medal, was met with widespread public outcry as many felt it penalized compassion rather than an unfair advantage.
Despite the disappointment, Congost’s story garnered significant media attention, leading to the Spanish Paralympic Committee supporting her by providing a grant typically reserved for medalists. Additionally, she was recently awarded a scholarship, highlighting support from within and outside the sporting community. Congost, a former Paralympic gold medalist, expressed mixed emotions but remains hopeful for future opportunities.