You shall not pass: asthmatic Compton denied inhaler in 'cross race

Your chest feels like it's going to explode. You're struggling for air, each breath feeling insufficient to sate your lungs. You're drowning. Somebody tries to hand you a lifeline, but they're stopped in their tracks. Salvation, metres away, but out of reach. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

That was the scenario for Katie Compton at the second cyclo-cross world cup of the 2014/2015 season in Koksijde, Belgium, as an asthma attack struck her mid-race and she was denied treatment by the intervention of an overzealous official.

The American who won the opening race of the series, and led the World Cup, reportedly had a mild cold which exacerbated the attack and was asking for a puffer from her husband Mark Legg-Compton to get her breathing under control. Instead, a marshall tried to stop Legg-Compton from reaching his distressed partner because he wasn't allowed to cross a yellow tape line in the start-finish area.

Heated... Mark Legg-Compton argues with marshalls in the start-finish area. (Balint Hamvas)

Initially the marshall was successful, but after a heated argument, common sense prevailed and Legg-Compton was able to pass on the puffer to alleviate the asthma attack.

Compton's ill-health and the delay caused by the marshall in getting treatment meant a good result was well out of reach for the American. She did however go on to finish, completing the race in 10th.

According to Legg-Compton the official later came over to clear the air and apologise. He said the apology was accepted and the incident put behind both parties.