Noè Ponti may have missed out on bronze in the 100 m dolphin in an even more annoying way. The second-placed Canadian, Joshua Liendo, apparently didn't make his stroke at the end of the race in accordance with the rules.
07.08.2024, 08:19
07.08.2024, 12:30
SDA
Images from the Swiss broadcaster RSI appear to prove that Liendo did not touch the plate mounted on the edge of the pool for timekeeping properly in the final on Saturday evening. According to the recordings from Ticino television, Liendo first touched the device with his left hand and only then with his right. The competition rules stipulate that the plate must be touched with both hands simultaneously both during the turns and at the finish.
Swiss Aquatics officials issued a brief statement on Wednesday night after learning of the images. They were "investigating the facts in consultation with Swiss Olympic and discussing the possible next steps".
The result of the investigations comes as no surprise. There will be no retrospective adjustment of the rankings or disqualification of Liendo. The World Aquatics regulations state that a protest must be lodged within 30 minutes of the end of the competition. In addition, the swimming judge did not report any infringements immediately after the race.
Ponti missed out on the bronze medal in his preferred discipline by a tenth of a second. Hungary's Kristof Milak secured gold ahead of Liendo and his compatriot Ilya Kharun.
