By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati’s quest for an Olympic medal at the Paris Games came to an abrupt end due to a bizarre mishap involving his crotch.
During his third attempt at clearing 5.70 meters in the qualification round, Ammirati’s manhood made contact with the bar, causing it to fall and ending his chances of advancing to the final.
Anthony Ammirati, who cleared 5.60 meters, finished 12th in Group A.
The unusual end to his Olympic journey drew both surprise and amusement from spectators.
Ammirati’s French compatriots, Robin Emig and Thibaut Collet, also failed to advance past the qualifying rounds.
A visibly disappointed Collet remarked, “When people say that the Games are different, well, it really is different. Today, I missed my competition. I knew that this qualification was going to be tough and now I’m taking it in the face. The Olympic Games are over. I’m going to pack my bags before going home.”
Meanwhile, no British athletes competed in the men’s pole vault, but Molly Caudery is anticipated to be a strong contender in the women’s event.
The qualifying rounds for the women’s pole vault will begin on Monday, with the final scheduled for two days later.