Australian veteran Sinead Diver was devastated to last only one kilometre of the Olympic women's marathon before succumbing to severe cramps, but team officials insist she was passed fit to compete.
The 47-year-old Australian record holder had high hopes coming into Paris, having finished a gutsy 10th on her Games debut three years ago in Tokyo.
Diver struggled with plantar fasciitis in the build-up, but Australian high performance boss Andrew Faichney said the issue that caused her to pull out so early on Sunday was unrelated.
"I am comfortable with the decision to race, she was in the team camp medical and she and the medical team cleared her to run," said Faichney.
"Today was completely unrelated to the plantar fasciitis in her right foot.
"She cramped in both quads and it started before the race.
"So obviously for her to have to finish so soon it was extreme (cramping)."
The timing was particularly galling as four-time Olympian Lisa Weightman - who unsuccessfully appealed her non-selection for Paris - won the Sunshine Coast half-marathon in a fast time just a few hours earlier.
Had Weightman's appeal in May been successful, she would have replaced Jess Stenson in the Olympic squad.
Stenson was Australia's leading finisher in Paris, crossing the line in 13th spot.
Genevieve Gregson - who was 24th on Sunday - paid tribute to Diver's resilience.
"I know that in the last few days she was not having the most ideal prep," said Gregson.
"When we were all gathered in the callroom we had a big hug and just said 'whatever you do out there today, we're going to be so proud of you'."
Australian men's marathon record holder Brett Robinson withdrew from the Paris Games with a glute injury just a matter of days before he was due to race.
Despite his disappointment, Robinson personally called Andrew Buchanan to tell him to pack his bags for Paris as his replacement.
