A hurdler competing this weekend won the gold in dramatic and painful fashion with a Superman dive across the finish line.
Texas A&M hurdler Infinite Tucker — that’s his real name – was trying to hold off another runner in the last stretch of the 400-meter hurdles at the 2019 SEC Track & Field Championships held in Fayetteville, Ark. on Saturday.
For Tucker to keep his lead and win the race he dove across the finish line, barely edging out teammate Robert Grant to win the race.
Watch the clip here:
Infinite Tucker for the @SEC ?!
Aggies go 1️⃣-2️⃣ in the 400 hurdles
? https://t.co/GKa0NNH8wG #SECTF #GigEm pic.twitter.com/GaVkuCF4KX
— Texas A&M Track and Field (@aggietrk) May 12, 2019
Tucker placed second last year and didn’t want to do so again.
“Look. I closed my eyes over hurdle 10. I opened it, saw my ma at the finish, and I jumped to give her a hug,” Tucker told ESPN after the race. “That’s all it is.”
Tucker’s diving finish resulted in a winning time of 49.38 seconds, according to the school. Tucker is the current U.S. and collegiate leader for the 2019 season and ranks 10th on the world list.
“Honestly, I’m glad I got the win and competed against the best,” said Tucker. “Me and my teammates all worked hard for this, and I came out with the win. I’m happy and thankful for that.”
About the dive he explained, “I just gave it my all and I felt like diving to the finish was like me using my whole body. So I felt like I gave it my all in that race.”
Comments from Infinite Tucker on his diving victory in the SEC 400m hurdles. pic.twitter.com/PhCOb2ozzO
— Texas A&M Track and Field (@aggietrk) May 12, 2019
ESPN summed it up in a tweet, “Whatever it takes.”
WHATEVER IT TAKES ? pic.twitter.com/i4Jxjx9q1x
— ESPN (@espn) May 12, 2019
