GB AGONY
Team GB star drops to floor after being DISQUALIFIED from Olympics 2024 by little-known rule
Greenbank's hopes of a THIRD Olympic medal went up in flames after he broke the rule by 'so far'
TEAM GB star Luke Greenbank was DISQUALIFIED from the 200 metre backstroke having swam the fastest time in the heats.
The 26-year-old thought he had safely booked his spot in the semi-finals by beating German Lukas Maertens in the fourth heat on Wednesday morning.
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But he was then left with his head in his hands when a video replay saw him disqualified for being underwater beyond the 15-metre mark at the start.
He appeared to be looking up at the screen immediately after winning the heat.
And when the result was confirmed in the stadium Greenbank was visibly distraught.
He collapsed to his knees as he realised his Olympic dream in Paris was over due to the rule break.
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Speaking after the gut-wrenching DQ, he said: "I don't know what to say, absolutely gutted.
"It's really annoying, I feel like I'm on good form."
One commentator on said: "I'm so devastated for him.
"That hand as it comes up is so far beyond the 15 [metre mark]."
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World Aquatics rule
Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race.
It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely sub-merged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn.
By that point the head must have broken the surface.
She then went on to add: "He knew because they know how many kicks they do underwater to get to the 15-metre mark.
"Wow, drama in Paris."
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The 15-metre rule is in place for backstroke, butterfly and freestyle but not breaststroke.
It is in place to make the competition more equal.
Swimmers who complete the full 15 metres underwater often producing faster starts, turns and overall times.
Greenbank won bronze in the 200m backstroke at the Tokyo Games three years ago, while he was also a part of the GB team that claimed silver in the 4x100m medley.
His disappointment came just hours after Team GB claimed their first swimming gold at the Paris Games as they dominated the 4x200m freestyle.
Two-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty claimed silver in the 100m breaststroke, while Matt Richards achieved the same feat in the 200m freestyle.
What's happening today at The Games?
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
TODAY'S BRIT MEDAL HOPES
Freestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).
Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).
BRITS TO WATCH
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix - daughter of First Dates star Fred - and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).
In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).
Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).
GLOBAL STARS TODAY
The all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).
The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).
And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).
FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so - because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
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