Crushing Disqualification for Team GB Swimmer Luke Greenbank at Paris Olympics

Luke Greenbank, a 26-year-old Team GB swimmer, suffered a heartbreaking disqualification in the men’s 200m backstroke competition at the Paris Olympics. Despite appearing to win his heat in convincing fashion, Greenbank was found guilty of breaking a little-known rule in the pool.

Too Far Underwater

Greenbank, who claimed bronze in the event three years ago in Tokyo, was disqualified for swimming too far underwater with 50 meters remaining and failing to break the surface before the red markers on the lane ropes. The official rule states that competitors cannot travel more than 15 meters under the water, a rule Greenbank broke by a matter of inches after his final turn.

A Team GB swimmer in action

According to the BBC’s Andy Jameson, who was commentating on the event, “Oh no, Luke’s gone too far. Oh no. Oh, that hurts. Oh, I’m so sorry. That really hurts.” Jameson believed that the disqualification was due to Greenbank going too far under the water, saying “It’s really tough because it was brilliant commitment from an outstanding swim. He gave it everything.”

Dropped to His Knees

Television pictures showed the despondent Crewe-born athlete dropping to his knees with his head in his hands after being informed of his mistake. Several of his fellow swimmers offered their support, but Greenbank was clearly devastated.

Luke Greenbank in action

As a result of the blunder, Greenbank’s Team GB team-mate Oliver Morgan moved from sixth to fifth to qualify for the semi-finals at La Defense Arena.

‘Absolutely Gutted’

Following the disqualification, Greenbank expressed his disappointment, saying “I don’t know what to say, I’m absolutely gutted. It’s really annoying, I feel like I’m on good form.” There was plenty of sympathy for Greenbank across social media, with spectators around the world passing on their support to the Team GB star, a two-medallist in Tokyo.