When race walker Craig Barrett collapsed while leading the 50km event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, New Zealand watched in shock.
The Auckland athlete was on course for gold in Kuala Lumpur before he repeatedly fell to the ground in the closing stages of the race, creating one of the most heartbreaking moments in New Zealand's sporting history.
Race walking, one of athletics’ most demanding endurance disciplines, requires competitors to maintain contact with the ground at all times while keeping a straight knee as their weight passes over it.
Barrett was no stranger to the challenge, and described having the "perfect build-up" prior to the 1998 Commonwealth Games event.
"That day, I had the wood on my Australian competitor. I had control of that race," he recalled.
He was leading the race by six minutes when disaster struck.
"My temperature just went off the charts," he said. "Legs gave out, and my awareness was gone pretty soon after that.
"The next thing I remember was when the medical people were looking after me at the venue.”
Barrett's collapse left viewers around the world shocked. Commentators described it as "the most tragic sight you'll see at these Games".
The images of him repeatedly trying to stand and continue became one of the defining moments of the Games — and for many, a symbol of perseverance.
Nearly three decades later, Barrett said he believes he now understands what was driving him to try and get back up.
“As the years have gone on I’ve just realised that I simply pushed too hard for my dad that day,” he said.
Barrett’s parents had travelled overseas to watch him compete at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, a rare trip for the pair. His father was terminally ill and had only weeks to live.
"It was a big trip for him," Barrett explained.
"I think that's what really happened. Internally, that was probably the drive that just kept me going and going and going."
When asked what his father said after the race, Barrett smiled.
“He didn’t really say anything. But that was dad. He was just there.”
Despite the disappointment, Barrett continued representing New Zealand for years, competing in three Olympic Games, four Commonwealth Games and multiple World Cups.
He later won silver at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
These days, Barrett said he looked back on his career with perspective and a sense of humour.
“We always joke that I’m destined to come second,” he laughed.
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