Paris Olympics: French pole vaulter misses out on medal after his crotch hits the bar

The 21-year-old Anthony Ammirati went to clear the crossbar when his crotch caught the bar and he fell to the ground.

Anthony Ammirati, Pole vault, paris olympics, paris 2024

Anthony Ammirati, of France, competes in the men's pole vault qualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Screengrab | Reuters)

French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati has become an unlikely internet sensation after a video of his painful crotch mishap during a pole vault attempt went viral. He missed out on earning a medal at his home Olympics when his crotch got caught on the crossbar.

During his third attempt Saturday, the 21-year-old was trying to clear a height of 5.70 meters, and he had a bizarre failed attempt when his crotch caught the bar and he fell to the ground. After watching the replay even the broadcasters seemed uncertain on how to describe the incident.

NEW: French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati fails to medal after his "manhood" knocked the bar over.

Ammiarti was trying to clear the 5.70m bar.

Ammirati had cleared two heights before the unfortunate situation messed him up.

He may have lost the competition, but Ammiarati is… pic.twitter.com/JQdJu1fRqF

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 3, 2024

After four attempts, Ammirati finished with a combined score of 5.60 and in 12th position, not enough to advance to the final. The pole vault was Ammirati’s only event at these Games. Ammirati won the U20 World Championships in Colombia two years ago.

“It’s a big disappointment. I’m a bit gutted,” he said, via the French Athletic Federation.

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“The conditions were good. 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 crowd. I was almost there.”

Ammirati has taken the incident in a good sport. He said: “I’m just glad I can make people smile and laugh.

“And who knows, maybe this will be the start of something amazing!”

French sports academy Envol posted a tribute to the young competitor on Instagram after the event.

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A post shared by ENVOL (@envol.cerclesportif)

“We are proud of you @anthony_ammirati despite the last two weeks of being physically disturbed you managed to show up, even though we are frustrated like you for that 5m70 bar. We wish you an unforgettable Olympic experience.”