France’s Anthony Ammirati had an unforgettable Olympic debut, especially for fans.
The 21-year-old Frenchman faced heartbreak in front of a hometown crowd on Saturday during the qualifying track and field heat.
While sprinting down the track and attempting to clear a height of 5.70 meters in the pole vault, Ammirati collided with the crossbar, ending his medal hopes.
The first-time Olympian finished in 12th place, concluding his pursuit for the podium. The pole vault was Ammirati’s only event at these Games.
Getty Images captured Anthony Ammirati of Team France competing during the Men’s Pole Vault Qualification on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 3, 2024.
Although not the first to experience such a mishap in the track and field event, many on the internet had plenty to say about the athlete’s incident.
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“Anthony Ammirati failed the bar and the commentators are clearly having a hard time acknowledging what happened,” said one user on X, who posted a clip of the broadcast.
“Wow, even though he lost the game, in a way, he won his life,” another commented.
“Sending love and light to this man’s DMs,” a third posted.
Much of the online chatter appeared supportive, with many cheering Ammirati on despite the mishap. He has certainly gained fans through the ordeal, with tens of thousands beginning to follow him online since the heat.
One day before his competition, he posted a photo at the Olympic Village, expressing pride in competing in front of a French crowd.