Margarett Catt
Gladiators contestant Mark was forced to withdraw from the competition after sustaining an injury during the brutal Crash Course challenge.
During Saturday’s instalment of the hit BBC game show, teacher Mark went head-to-head with fellow contender Tyler in the high-octane event, which sees competitors race in giant Atlaspheres while being blocked by Gladiators.
Introduced in the quarter-finals, Crash Course tests speed and agility as contenders must complete two laps in under 60 seconds. The first to finish earns 10 points, while the runner-up takes five.
Mark appeared to be steaming ahead early on, but Tyler quickly closed the gap and ultimately claimed victory, securing the full 10 points.
However, as the race drew to a dramatic close, disaster struck.
On the final bend, Mark attempted to slow his spinning steel cage by running against its direction, but the effort took its toll.
Moments later, crew members rushed into the arena as he clutched his leg and struggled to balance.
After helping him out of the cage, medics asked Mark: ‘How is it feeling? What did it feel like?’
Mark replied: ‘Just as I come round this bend, it just felt like a bit of a pop.’
He then went off to be assessed by the medical team to determine whether he could continue.
However, later, hosts Bradley Walsh, 65, and his son Barney, 28, delivered the disappointing news.
Bradley announced: ‘In our last event, we saw that Mark sustained an injury. Now he is being assessed by our medical team, and unfortunately, is no longer able to continue in the competition.’
Mark then joined the hosts on stage, visibly disappointed as he apologised to his family and explained what had happened.
He said: ‘I was coming round the corner, I tried to slow the atlas down with my left leg, and I just felt a pop in the top of my hamstrings.’
When asked how he was feeling, Mark admitted: ‘Disappointed, there’s no words for the disappointment I feel at the moment. For my family, I apologise, I’m really sorry.’
Consoling him, Bradley responded: ‘There’s nothing to apologise for though, that’s what happens to athletes, it just happens.’
Appearing grateful despite the setback, Mark added: ‘I just can’t thank you enough, it’s been the best experience of my life.’
Bradley concluded: ‘We wish you a speedy recovery, please, give it up for Mark!’ and the crowd erupted in applause as Mark exited the stage.
Following his withdrawal, viewers flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to share their disappointment.
One fan wrote: ‘Oh no, we hate to see a competitor withdraw due to injury. Sorry to see Mark go.’;
‘Poor Mark, feel gutted for him.’; ‘That is so disappointing for Mark. He was doing so well.’;
‘Oh I hope Mark is ok. That was probably the best crash course run to date, it would be sad if it ends in injury.’
Later in the episode, Tyler and replacement contestant Josh went head-to-head in the Eliminator.
In a tense showdown, Josh powered up the Travellator and stormed into the semi-finals.
Source: Dailymail.co.uk | Read the Full Story…
