Athlete who received race with penis flopping out set for return after being provided modelling job
Chris Robinson was at the centre of an unfortunate but very memorable incident during the 400m hurdles at last summer’s Golden Spike event in Ostrava
Chris Robinson had an uncomfortable moment when winning the 400-meter hurdles race.(Image: Getty Images)
As the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships kicks off between July 23 and 26, American star Chris Robinson is gearing up as a top contender. The 25-year-old boasts an impressive resume, including a gold medal from the March indoor championships in Torun, Poland.
Yet, in the eyes of many, he remains best known for an infamous viral and rather revealing incident during the 400m hurdles at last summer’s Golden Spike event in Ostrava. Although Robinson is a highly decorated competitor, the 2025 race in Czechia is etched in track and field folklore for an incredibly awkward wardrobe malfunction.
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Robinson, who was later offered a modelling gig due to the episode, launched out of the blocks with exceptional speed, quickly closing the gap on the back straight. However, with a full 250 meters still left on the track, his junk made an unexpected and unfortunate escape from his shorts.
Chris Robinson suffered an “equipment failure” as he left it all out there on his way to win the 400m hurdles at the Golden Spike meet(Image: World Athletics)
Fans watched on as the hurdler desperately tugged at his briefs to remedy the situation, all while maintaining a competitive pace. Despite violently clipping the final hurdle and awkwardly readjusting his garments in the closing meters, Robinson lunged across the finish line to secure the win with an incredible time of 48.05, a monumental feat given his distractions.
Afterwards, the victorious but visibly embarrassed athlete lay flat on the track, exchanging sheepish glances with his rivals. The live broadcast from Metsky Stadium left networks scrambling to issue apologies to the millions of viewers who had tuned in.
To make matters worse for the American, television replayed the slip-up in high definition to the world, including a tight, head-on angle of the final 50 meters.
Robinson carried on running, despite the malfunction(Image: World Athletics)
Handling the delicate situation, World Athletics commentator Tim Hutchings said: “That’s a brilliant run by the American to be constantly adjusting certain parts of his equipment and possibly his anatomy down the home straight there around that top bend there.
“He hit that ninth hurdle hard. He was having an equipment failure there. I think that is probably the politest way to put it. There hasn’t been time to censor them, but well done to Chris Robinson for battling a problem that does emerge occasionally.
“Perhaps in a race every two or three years you see scenes like this from men and women with parts of their equipment failing. It can make it very, very awkward, but that was a stunning effort to stay out in front with all that going on.”
Chris Robinson at the end of the race(Image: World Athletics)
Ultimately, the viral exposure had a silver lining. Not long after the event, the apparel brand Shinesty reached out with a modelling contract featuring their specialised briefs.
Krakatoa Underwear also jumped on the bandwagon, stepping up to supply the hurdle champion with top-tier gear and ongoing support.
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