Unexpected Disappointment for French Pole Vaulter
Anthony Ammirati, the French pole vaulter, has spoken out about the incident that dashed his hopes for an Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Games. During his final attempt to clear 5.70 meters, Ammirati’s manhood inadvertently knocked the bar, preventing him from advancing to the final.
A promising start ends in heartbreak
Ammirati, who finished 12th in his group with a height of 5.60 meters, shared his thoughts with the French Athletics Federation.
“It’s a big disappointment,” Ammirati explained. “I’m a bit gutted because I didn’t miss anything on the third attempt at 5.70 m,” he added. “What I did miss was a bit of jumping in training to fine-tune the settings. Just a technical session. I had to give up the last two, because of a small grade 1 in the adductor, I prioritized the race.
The moment of truth
Reflecting on his final attempt, Ammirati said, “I was 100 percent physically, but I was missing a bit of pole vault. 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 public. I was almost there.”
Despite feeling unusually stress-free during his attempts and being close to achieving his goal, he acknowledged that missing crucial training sessions due to a minor injury may have impacted his performance.
The setback was unexpected, especially considering Ammirati’s gold medal win at the World Athletics U20 Championships two years prior. Commentators reviewing his attempt noted the issue but did not explicitly mention his manhood.
Support and encouragement
Despite the mishap, the French sports academy Envol expressed their support for Ammirati on Instagram, stating, “We are proud of you @anthony_ammirati,” which Ammirati reposted. “Despite the last two physically disrupted weeks, you’ve managed to be there, even if we are frustrated like you for this bar at 5m70. We wish you to live an unforgettable Olympic experience.”
Social media reactions
Social media users reacted humorously to Ammirati’s situation, noting that while he lost the competition, he gained significant social media followers. Some reports claimed an increase of 100,000 followers on Instagram following the incident.
Fellow competitors’ reflections
Ammirati’s fellow competitors also shared their thoughts on missed opportunities. Thibaut Collet, another French pole vaulter, spoke to reporters about the emotional impact of failing in front of the home crowd. “When people say that the Games are different, well, it really is different,” Collet said. “Today, I missed my competition. I knew that this qualification was going to be tough and now I’m taking it in the face. The Olympic Games are over. I’m going to pack my bags before going home.”
Looking forward
As Ammirati reflects on his Olympic experience, he remains determined to continue his athletic journey. His resilience and candid reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the unwavering spirit required to compete at the highest levels.