Olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser-known rule

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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.

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1702
British swimmer Luke Greenbank collapsed after being disqualified. Image Credits: BBC

 

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

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1704
Greenbank’s disqualification meant he was denied a gold medal despite a strong performance. Image Credits: BBC

 

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.

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1701
He was disqualified for breaking a lesser-known rule regarding underwater swimming. Image Credits: BBC

 

The disqualifying rule

Luke Greenbank’s disqualification was due to a failure to follow a specific underwater swimming rule.

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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.

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1703
The rule requires swimmers to break the surface by 15 meters, which Greenbank failed to do. Image Credits: BBC

 

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.

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1700
Greenbank was devastated, putting his head in his hands and collapsing after seeing the results. Image Credits: BBC

 

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. 

olympic swimmer collapses after being denied gold medal for breaking lesser 1699
Social media users expressed sympathy, highlighting the unfairness of his disqualification. Image Credits: BBC

 

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

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