Luke Greenbank disqualified from Olympics 2024 for breaking rule

British medalist swimmer Luke Greenbank was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 during his 200-meter backstroke heat. A 200-meter backstroke heat is a race in competitive swimming in which swimmers compete in all 4 strokes.

The shocking moment came when Luke faced disqualification due to a serious violation that ended his chances of winning another Olympic medal.

Backstroke competitors don’t have permission to dive for more than 15 meters at the beginning of a race or following a turn under global swimming rules.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Swans Goggles 🌍 (@swansgoggles)

A major blow came to Luke when he violated the 15-meter limit for swimming underwater. He thought he had qualified for the semifinal of the 200m backstroke after finishing first in the race but forgot he broke a rule.

Soon after he completed the race, officials found he violated the 15-meter limit after his last turn off the wall. Hence, Luke Greenbank had a lead of body length at the turn but went beyond the 15-meter limit and eventually got disqualified.

When he figured out his disqualification, he appeared devastated and shocked. A video replay showed his foul on screen at the stadium immediately after his race. He put his hands on his head in surprise and disappointment.

*Luke’s expressions after realizing foul*

Click here to read the updates on Chelsea Gubecka becoming the first Aussie athlete for the Paris Olympics

When officials confirmed the results, he fell to his knees. He realized his dream loss of another Olympic medal due to his rule violation.

Luke Greenbank said he could not express himself. He is at a loss for words, so he cannot tell. He passed these remarks while taking to sports media after his disqualification. Following his dismissal, German swimmer Lukas Mertens was declared the winner.

Luke became the first British athlete to win a men’s 200m backstroke Olympic medal with a bronze at Tokyo 2020. He also won bronze medals in men’s 200m backstroke in the 2019 World Aquatics Championships and 2022 World Aquatics Championships.