A French pole vaulter is going viral for the way he lost his competition on Saturday — knocking over the pole with his bulge during the Paris Olympics.
Anthony Ammirati, 21, failed to qualify for the final as a result of the incident, reported Variety. The moment, captured during the live broadcast, led to an awkward moment as the commentators struggled to discuss what occurred without being too specific.
Anthony Ammirati failed the bar and the commentators are clearly having a hard time acknowledging what happened 😂 HELP I’M DYING pic.twitter.com/5hOHttVA5g
— Gladys Wotching (@Glodyswotcher) August 3, 2024
“What happened here?” one broadcaster can be heard asking, with another answering simply but vaguely, “On the way down.”
It was indeed “on the way down” that Ammirati’s nether region struck the crossbar, and the Olympian seems to realize his failure mid-air, as he despondently hits the mat.
As another English commentator described it: “He just seemed to just be sloppy as he turned his body.”
One user on X jokingly commented, “When you’re about to win an Olympic medal but your massive d— gets in the way while the whole world watches in slow motion.”
Despite Ammirati’s loss, France is excelling at the Olympics, totaling 41 medals so far, including 12 golds, putting them in 2nd overall behind China.
Swimming standout Leon Marchand has been a highlight machine for the host country, winning four Olympic golds in the men’s individual medley, breaststroke and butterfly events.
