What position did Zola Budd finish in the controversial 3,000 metres race at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics?

In the 1984 Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, the media billed the 3000 m race as a duel between Zola Budd and American world champion Mary Decker.

At 1700 metres, the first collision occurred. Decker came into contact with one of Budd's legs, knocking Budd slightly off balance. However, both women maintained their close position. Five strides on, at race time of 4:58, Budd and Decker again made contact, with Budd's left foot brushing Decker's thigh, causing Budd to lose her balance and sending her into Decker's path. Decker's spiked running shoe came down hard into Budd's ankle, just above the heel, which drew blood. Decker, now very much off balance, fell forward and crashed onto the infield, catching hold of the number on Budd's back, which tore free. Decker was unable to resume the race due to an injury to her hip.

Budd, deeply affected by the occurrence, continued to lead for a while, but faded, finishing seventh amid a resounding chorus of boos. Her finishing time of 8:48 was well outside her best of 8:37. Puică won with Sly second and Canada's Lynn Williams third.