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Team GB swimmer Luke Greenbank's journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to a shocking end despite finishing first in the men's 200-metre backstroke event. On July 31, the 26-year-old was disqualified for swimming beyond the allowed 15 metres underwater at the start of the race—a lesser-known rule that caught the athlete off guard.
Greenbank, who had just emerged from the pool with a triumphant smile, quickly realized his mistake as he glanced at the scoreboard. His joy turned to devastation as he dropped to his knees, hands to his head in disbelief.
Speaking to reporters after the disqualification, Greenbank expressed his frustration and disappointment. "I don't know what to say, absolutely gutted," he said. "It's really annoying. I feel like I'm in good form."
Greenbank had high hopes for the Paris Olympics after winning a bronze medal in the 200-metre backstroke at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and being part of Team GB's silver medal-winning 4x100-metre medley team.
Greenbank's disqualification is not the only unexpected twist at this year's Olympics. Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira was sent home after being caught leaving the Olympic Village with teammate Gabriel Santos following the opening ceremony on July 26. The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) punished Vieira for her "disrespectful and aggressive" reaction to the committee's reprimand, resulting in her dismissal from the delegation and immediate return to Brazil. Santos received a warning.
These incidents highlight the strict and sometimes unusual rules athletes must navigate during the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of complexity to their Olympic dreams.
