Rio Olympics: French athlete Yohann Diniz collapses during race

French Olympic race walker Yohann Diniz has been hailed a “hero” online after finishing the men’s 50-kilometre walk in Rio despite collapsing during the event.

The Frenchman had complained of a sore stomach before the start of the race.

He went on to compete in stifling heat, leading the race at the 30-kilometre mark before suffering what appeared to be “intestinal problems”.

But instead of giving up, Diniz continued on with blood running down his leg. He later collapsed from exhaustion.

Undeterred by another setback, the Frenchman got back on his feet, finishing the race in eighth place.

Slovakia’s Matej Toth won the gold medal with a time of 3 hours, 40 minutes and 58 seconds.

Athletics Australia joined many others on social media praising Diniz for continuing the race.

“Incredible scenes as Diniz collapses from exhaustion and he gets back up to keep racing!” it tweeted.

“Bizarre. We wish Diniz all the best of health.”