When will athletes learn. You celebrate after you are over the line, never before.
US distance runner Molly Huddle is the latest to learn this lesson, after costing herself a bronze medal at the World Championships in Beijing this afternoon.
Huddle thought she was safely home in third in the 10,000m final and raised her arms to celebrate. Unfortunately she slowed fractionally as she did so, allowing another athlete to nip past her and claim the final medal spot.
At least her country didn’t lose out – the athlete who snuck in ahead of her was also running for the US, Emily Infeld.
We don’t think that will be much comfort to Huddle. She had the good sportsmanship to congratulate her compatriot after the race, but was reportedly in tears leaving the stadium.
A tough way to lose.
H/T: Independent.co.uk