Unexpected Loss for America as Aleia Hobbs Escorted Out on a Wheelchair at World Indoors

American sprinter Aleia Hobbs had to withdraw from the 60m finals of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 after suffering an injury moments before the start. Hobbs, the North American indoor record holder for the 60m was escorted off the race in a wheelchair and was left in tears.

Hobbs reportedly suffered a calf injury and found herself in discomfort before the 60m event final. The medical team rushed to her assistance as she had to leave the race at the last minute.

Aleia Hobbs wasn’t competing at her 100% at the event

Hobbs was seen in agony and distress ahead of the final race, clearly struggling with pain. The medical team swiftly responded to her distress, rushing to her aid, but she continued to grapple with significant discomfort.

Ultimately, the severity of her condition necessitated her departure from the arena in a wheelchair. A disconsolate Hobbs held her head in her hands, overwhelmed by both physical pain and the emotional weight of being unable to compete. But was her injury sudden?

After racing in the heats of the competition, she revealed how she wasn’t at her complete best during the event. In an interview with Citius Mag, Hobbs said, “It felt pretty good. It was a little rough. I had to get going. I don’t know. My legs feel heavy for some reason, but we got that one out of the way,”

The U.S. 60-meter champion was visibly limping after her semifinal race itself, where she seemed to have injured herself. Aleia Hobbs put in a commendable performance in the 60m semifinals after finishing behind Eva Swoboda and Julien Alfred, clocking 7.04 seconds. After her forced withdrawal from the final, Hobbs provided an update on his injury.

Retired American sprinter Bianca Knight asked Hobbs to take care of herself in a message on X. She wrote, “We need you healthy baby girl @AleiaBitOfThis! I know it’s not ideal but you have a long season! Take care of your body.” Hobbs responded to the tweet with an assuring update on her injury. “Yea I’m good, I was just cramping up bad,” she wrote.

However, her painful exit from the final also raises the question as to why Aleia Hobbs would risk running in the final when she was clearly struggling with an injury. Despite Hobbs’s absence, the event showcased remarkable performances from other athletes with Julien Alfred making history for her nation.

Julien Alfred earns historic medal for her country

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia claimed the gold with a time of 6.98, matching the world lead set by Ewa Swoboda in the semi-finals. Alfred’s medal was the first for St. Lucia in the history of the World Indoor Championships. She was followed closely by the Pole Swoboda in second place with 7.00 and Zaynab Dosso of Italy in third with a time of 7.05.

Read more: Aleia Hobbs’s Tough Time With Social Media and How the Olympian Overcome It

Notably, Zoe Hobbs from New Zealand clinched the fourth position, setting a national record at a time of 7.06. For Hobbs, the wait for her first World Indoors medal goes on after a cruel exit this time around.

The incident underscores the intense pressure and unpredictability inherent in sprinting events, demanding nerves of steel from competitors. Here’s hoping for Aleia Hobbs’ swift recovery and a stronger return in future competitions.

Also read: Who Is Aleia Hobbs Dating? – All You Need To Know About Her Partner