Team GB cyclist Ethan Hayter saw the humorous side of his error which may have cost himself and his team-mates a coveted gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 25-year-old was joined by Dan Bigham, Ethan Vernon and Charlie Tanfield as Ollie Wood dropped out of the team, meaning Britain had used a different line up in all three rounds of the competition.
It had been nip and tuck between Britain and Australia until the penultimate lap of the 4,000-metre race, when Hayter lost control of his bike and wobbled off the course – somehow avoiding a crash.
The incident slowed down his team-mates, however, as their Aussie opponents breezed over the line to clinch the gold, leaving Hayter dreading the reaction after stopping himself crashing.
“There’s going to be a good few memes about that one I think! But I definitely got it all out and found my limit,” Hayter told BBC Sport, when asked about his heartstopping moment.
BBC presenter Clare Balding agreed with Hayter and said: “Ah, he’s not wrong! It was dramatic.”
Hayter continued: “My legs are fine. I’ll be good tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. A bit disappointed from being so close but I’m not too bothered about the result in the end.
“It’s just so good to be here. To be in that gold medal ride, you watch that on TV when you’re growing up. I really enjoyed it.”
It means Great Britain and Northern Ireland now have 49 medals in Paris – 12 gold, 17 silver and 20 bronze – after the nailbiting event.
Hayter did incredibly well to avoid a serious accident as he clung onto his thin bicycle frame while it wobbled at speeds of around 45 mph. Reflecting on the race immediately after they missed out, Hayter admits he overworked himself and paid the price at the end.
“We were so close and I could see it. It was nearly five laps at the end and I just really gave too much, and my whole body went weak and I really struggled to hold myself on the bike in the end,” he added.
“Sorry to the guys but I think we gave everything and we can be proud of that silver medal. We were super happy to win a silver medal but it was really there for the taking for us and we kind of knew that.
“We went out to get it but just came short in the end, so it’s a shame.”
Pick up your ultimate guide to the Olympics! Going for Gold provides the day-by-day rundown of what’s on and when. Click here to buy.
