'Devastated' British swimmer disqualified after major blunder in 200m backstroke heat
British swimmer Luke Greenbank has been disqualified during his 200m backstroke heat after a major blunder that ended his hopes of another Olympic medal.
The 26-year-old, who took out bronze in the same event in Tokyo, was in action on Wednesday night (AEST) when he was dealt the cruelest of blows.
Athletes competing in the backstroke events can not stay under the water for longer than 15 metres after completing a turn or at the start of a race.
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Australian legend Ian Thorpe said the decision from officials was correct.
Luke Greenbank reacts after being disqualified from the men's 200m backstroke. Nine
"It was a significant amount past," he said on the Nine broadcast.
"That is well past that mark. There is no need for that in a 200m. Perhaps in a 50m race you might take the chance, but in a 200m there is no benefit.
"You can see how devastated he is after the race."
Greenbank did finish first and looked to have advanced to the semi finals before being made aware of his mistake.
Earlier, Se Bom-Lee won his backstroke heat, but he and fellow Aussie Bradley Woodward failed to qualify.
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