9 Historic Olympics Fails

The Olympics is a stage where athletes showcase their talent, dedication, and years of hard work. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, leading to some unforgettable fails throughout history.

During the 2014 Winter Olympics, the highly anticipated halfpipe competition saw Shaun White, known as the “Flying Tomato,” take a dramatic fall on his final run. White, a two-time gold medalist, was aiming for a three-peat but ended up finishing in fourth place, missing the podium altogether.

At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Russian gymnast Svetlana Khorkina suffered a disastrous fall during the uneven bars final. The fall not only cost her the gold medal but also left her soaked in the pool of water that had accumulated on the mat due to an earlier routine by another gymnast.

During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, American middle-distance runner Mary Decker collided with British athlete Zola Budd in the 3000m final, causing Decker to fall and injure herself. Decker was unable to finish the race, ending her Olympic dreams in a heartbreaking fashion.

In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova faced a humiliating moment during a doubles match. Kournikova served back-to-back double faults which ultimately led to her and her partner being knocked out of the competition.

British ski jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards became a household name during the 1988 Calgary Olympics for his unconventional style and lack of experience. Edwards’ infamous ski jump, where he nearly crashed upon landing, highlighted his underdog status in the competition.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Egyptian weightlifter Mohammad Ehab made a critical mistake during the clean and jerk portion of the competition. Ehab misjudged the weight he attempted to lift, causing him to stumble and lose his balance, resulting in a failed lift.

American track and field star Marion Jones, once hailed as the fastest woman in the world, faced scandal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jones was later stripped of her medals and records after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs, tarnishing her once illustrious career.

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, the highly favored USA Men’s Basketball Team suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Argentina in the semifinals. The loss ended Team USA’s bid for a gold medal, marking one of the biggest upsets in Olympic basketball history.

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt suffered a rare mishap during the 100m final. Bolt, known for his lightning speed, tripped and stumbled out of the blocks, causing him to lose precious time and finish with a bronze medal instead of his usual gold.