Etenesh Diro shoe Rio Olympic Games

Ethiopian Etenesh Diro defied the pain with a resolute display of Olympic spirit to finish her 3000 metre steeplechase heat despite running with only one shoe for much of the race.

Diro was at the front of the field when the shoe on her right foot became loose after a collision with other athletes in the third heat at the Olympic Stadium in Rio on Saturday.

That was not going to prevent the 25-year-old from finishing the race, though, and she continued running barefoot after whipping off her shoe and sock.

Diro was in tears after finishing seventh, which would not be enough to book a place in the final on Monday, but her medal hopes are still alive following an appeal.

The IAAF confirmed that Aisha Praught and Sara Treacy, hampered in the same incident, were also given a place in the final upon appeal.