A Olympic swimmer was disqualified seconds after breaking a surprising rule.
The moment when Team GB swimmer Luke Greenbank collapsed after learning he was disqualified for breaking a rule left viewers heartbroken.
On social media, a viral video captured the heart-wrenching scene where Luke Greenbank, devastated by the disqualification, put his head in his hands and collapsed.
In a dramatic turn of events, British swimmer Luke Greenbank faced an emotional collapse after being disqualified from the men’s 200-meter backstroke event.
Greenbank’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were shattered despite his stellar performance due to a little-known rule.
Luke Greenbank collapses after realizing he was disqualified for breaking a rule
British swimmer Luke Greenbank, a top contender in the men’s 200m backstroke, was initially elated after what seemed to be a flawless performance in the heats.
Having come first and beating his competitors by a significant margin, Greenbank believed he had secured his place in the semi-finals. However, his joy was short-lived.
Moments after celebrating, Greenbank was informed of his disqualification.
As he looked up at the results board, the crushing realization hit him.
Overcome with emotion, he put his head in his hands and collapsed to the floor. Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe commented on the visible devastation Greenbank experienced.
The disqualifying rule
Luke Greenbank’s disqualification was due to a failure to follow a specific underwater swimming rule.
Regulations state that swimmers must break the water and have part of their body above the surface by the 15-meter mark.
This rule is enforced in backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle events. However, it does not apply to breaststroke. Greenbank’s failure to adhere to this rule led to his disqualification.
In the footage, he dropped to the floor with his head in his hands as he realized his disqualification. Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe observed that the athlete’s devastation was clearly visible.
Footage from the race revealed that Greenbank remained underwater beyond the 15-meter marker. This violation led to his disqualification, and an instant replay confirmed that there were no grounds for appeal.
The moment Luke Greenbank collapsed after breaking a rule went viral on social media.
The heartbroken footage of Greenbank’s disqualification sparked an outpouring of sympathy from fans online. Many expressed their disappointment and sadness over Greenbank’s unfortunate fate.
One person said: Little known rule for people who don’t swim. But he is a pro. He knew. Consequences.
A second wrote: Known, not known, this would be absolutely heartbreaking
While a third commented: Known, not known, this would be absolutely heartbreaking.
Another added: for summary. 15 meters rule dictate that he must be out of underwater before 15 meters, but he still underwater at 15 meters.
Someone else said: It definately isn’t a little known rule. He knew but made a mistake. Very sad for him x.
Despite his excellent performance, the minor infraction resulted in a major setback. However, many fans still support him and hope he will play a crucial role in his future endeavors