France's Anthony Ammirati gave his first comments since taking the internet by storm for his pole vault performance at the Paris Games.
The 21-year-old gave a rather unforgettable Olympic debut in front of a hometown crowd on Saturday during a qualifying track and field heat.
The Frenchman's podium dreams were dashed after he clipped the crossbar with his crotch. The split-second error became internet fodder.
The first-time Olympian had been trying to clear a height of 5.70 meters. Instead, he had to settle for 12th place and an end to his Paris dreams. The pole vault was Ammirati's only event.
"It's a big disappointment," he told the French Athletics Federation. "I’m a bit gutted, because I didn’t miss anything on the third attempt at 5.70 m. What I did miss was a bit of jumping in training to fine-tune the settings."
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"I was 100% physically, but I was missing a bit of pole vault. The conditions were good," Ammirati added.
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"It’s the first time I’ve started a competition without any stress. As I was a total outsider, I only had one goal: to play with the public. I was almost there."
The Frenchman didn't directly address the online frenzy surrounding his unfortunate gaff.
Although not the first to suffer such a fate on the track and field event, many on the internet had a lot to say about the athlete's accident.
"Anthony Ammirati failed the bar and the commentators are clearly having a hard time acknowledging what happened," said one X user, who posted a clip of the broadcast.
"Wow, even though he lost the game, in a way, he won his life," another said.
"Sending love and light to this man's dms," a third posted.
Much of the online chatter appeared supportive, with many trying to cheer Ammirati on despite the fumble. He's certainly grown fans through the ordeal -- tens of thousands have started following him online since the heat.
One day before his competition, he posted a photo at the Olympic Village. In his caption, he expressed pride to be competing in front of a French crowd.
