Plus, as I understand it, the boy had been running previous races that day in order to qualify for the final, didn't he?
If spikes are so hazardous because children can't keep in their lanes then they should ban spikes - if it's such a health and safety issue. If as they say, being barefoot would create an unfair advantage then they should ban spikes also as some children might not be able to afford spikes giving those who can an unfair advantage. And i don't see mid to high 40's causing blisters from burning. My shower's hotter than that and i don't get blistered. Do they ban other shoes when some children get blisters from running in shoes? It's bizarre the excuses officialdom comes up with to ban barefeet. But it's ok to allow children to play rugby and get broken necks and concussive brain damage - just don't let a child get a sore foot. The world is beyond my comprehension sometimes.