A PARALYMPIC athlete denied a medal in Paris because she stopped to help her guide is taking her case to court.

Spanish marathon runner Elena Congost finished third in the race on September 8 but was later disqualified because she accidentally let go of the tether to her guide, Mia Carol, as she tried to help him after he developed cramp in the final stages.

The race rules state the tether must not be released by either the athlete or the guide between the race starting and finishing.