Heartbroken viewers have rallied around a Chinese gymnast whose mistake cost his country a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
China looked set to take top spot in the men's artistic team all-around final on Monday (July 29) but their dreams were shattered after two costly mistakes from gymnast Su Weide.
During his routine, the 24-year-old Olympic Games debutant lost his grip on the horizontal bar twice and came crashing down on the mat. This resulted in China being deducted two points for the double mistake.
Weide's team finished with a score of 259.062 and was beaten by Japan, who clinched the gold medal after scoring 259.594.
Watch the moment below:After returning to the side of the Bercy Arena, a visibly dejected Wiede sat at the end of the bench, away from his teammates.
Commentator Steve Robilliard said during the broadcast the athlete's team "could barely look,” adding: “First contact (with the bar) was with the forearms, he was nowhere near collecting it correctly," as cited by News.com.au.
Co-commentator Liz Chetkovich explained: “He’s just completely mistimed, I’m wondering (if it’s) the inexperience perhaps. He’d like to finish strongly," to which Robilliard shared: “Your heart goes out to him, really, let’s hope he can.”
Viewers were left "heartbroken" after the Olympian sat a few seats away from his team following the mistake.
"The poor Chinese gymnast who fell twice from high bar. His teammates have deserted him. He’s bereft. I can’t bear it. He might have just lost them gold," one viewer wrote.
"I feel so so bad for Su Weide like the level that these athletes are competing and the pressure they are under is insane but Silver is still an amazing feat!" a second chimed in.
A third shared: "Though I love the gymnastics it is so brutal. Felt such sympathy for the Chinese gymnast who fell on the high bar last night," while a fourth added: "Praying for Su Weide’s mental health after this I'm sure it will never be easy and people are gonna point out again and again."
Team USA took the bronze medal at the men's artistic team all-around final, while Team GB missed out on a podium finish by coming fourth.
It's not all over for Weide yet, as the gymnast has the chance to redeem himself during the individual events.