In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, one of the most controversial moments in track and field history occurred when American middle-distance runner Mary Decker was tripped during the women's 3000m final. Decker, who was considered a favorite to win the race, was involved in a collision with Zola Budd, a South African-born runner who was competing for Great Britain at the time.

The incident happened when Decker and Budd were running side by side, and their feet became entangled. Decker fell to the ground, injuring her hip and ultimately ending her chances of winning a medal. The collision led to a heated debate among fans and experts about whether Budd had intentionally tripped Decker or if it was simply an unfortunate accident.

Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, no conclusive evidence was ever found to prove that Budd intentionally tripped Decker. Both athletes maintained that it was an accident, and the race officials did not penalize Budd for the incident. However, the collision had a lasting impact on Decker's career, as she was unable to compete at her best for the rest of the Olympics.

The tripping incident between Mary Decker and Zola Budd remains one of the most talked-about moments in Olympic history. It sparked discussions about sportsmanship, fair play, and the intense pressure that athletes face when competing at the highest level. While the true intentions behind the collision may never be known, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and drama that often accompanies sports competitions.

For more information on the controversial tripping incident between Mary Decker and Zola Budd at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, you can visit the official Olympic website here. Additionally, you can read articles and watch videos about the incident on sports news websites such as ESPN and BBC Sport.

Overall, the tripping incident in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics remains a significant moment in the history of track and field, and it continues to be a topic of discussion among sports fans and experts to this day.

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