Not much shocks me. I personally think shock is an overused word because given the last fifty years of movies and television can anyone say that they are shocked by naked genitalia or blood soaked massacres. That is so 1960’s. On the other hand, running photographs of an athlete who shits herself during a competition did indeed shock me.

By the way, I am consciously not linking to any stories about this incident because I think the woman has suffered enough and while I want to comment on her experience I will leave it your Google finesse to find the pictures if you must .

Now, first, I will admit there is a news story here. The woman continued competing despite the mess she found herself in. It was unwise and unhealthy for her to continue. For this she is responsible and for this she paid — she had to surrender the title she won.

I think most people can figure out what happened without the photographic assistance. The picture helps no one and it further embarrasses the athlete who already has enough trouble with people lambasting her questionable decision making process.

For the press to show pictures of her laying on the ground with her shit stained shorts is unnecessary and cruel.