Few would have forecast the men’s heats to be the most chaotic event of Paris 2024 so far – but it is a strong contender after Wednesday’s drama.
As the runners in heat one battled for a top-eight qualifying spot, European silver medallist Mills – son of former England footballer Danny – attempted to force his way through the field from near the back on the final straight.
In doing so he bumped shoulders with French runner Hugo Hay, then collided with Eritrea’s Aron Kifle, causing both to fall into Mohammed Ahmed of Canada while also collecting Dutch runner Mike Foppen.
Mills then angrily confronted Hay after crossing the finish line, before asserting to the BBC that he had been stepped on.
He finished 18th, but tournament organisers ruled that Mills had been impeded and sent him through along with Hay and the other fallers – meaning 20 men will compete in the 5,000m final on Saturday.
Elsewhere in the morning session, Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi went to the aid of Mutaz Essa Barshim, with whom he shared the event’s gold medal in Tokyo, after the Qatari athlete appeared to pull his calf during a run-up.
Barshim was able to resume and qualify for Saturday’s final alongside Tamberi, an eccentric character who wears odd socks and half a beard, who was hospitalised with kidney stones four days ago.
