Canadian fans led to believe Ryan Lochte defeated Michael Phelps in 200IM race Thursday
Very embarrassing moment for the CBC commentators! pic.twitter.com/Ffj2wQVr6O
— Paul Bishop (@yyzpalacefan) August 12, 2016
While Michael Phelps was taking a historic win in the Olympic men’s 200-meter individual medley final Thursday, viewers in Canada were being led to believe that it was Phelps’ chief rival, Ryan Lochte, that was closing in on a big win.
Phelps and Lochte were the top two seeds in the final, and Phelps swam in lane 4, next to Lochte in lane 5.
Canadian Broadcasting Company announcer Elliotte Friedman apparently got his lanes confused and gave an excited call for Lochte finally beating his rival and denying Phelps the gold.
Toronto Star sports columnist Bruce Arthur tweeted that Friedman, a real pro, would take the mistake hard.
I didn't see it, but I know few people more professional, or better, than @FriedgeHNIC. He'll take this harder than anybody.
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) August 12, 2016
Lochte finished fifth and didn’t medal. Phelps won his 22nd Olympic gold medal and won the 200 IM for the fourth straight time at the Olympic games.
Friedman took to Twitter about 20 minutes after the gaffe to apologize.
I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 12, 2016
This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Canadian fans led to believe Ryan Lochte defeated Michael Phelps in 200IM race Thursday."