- Jake Odey-Jordan was cruising to victory at blistering pace in 200m
- But British rising star took foot off the gas and was embarrassingly overtaken
- Mishap at European Athletics U18 Championships is major learning experience
A British rising star in the sprinting world suffered a hugely embarrassing mishap at the European Athletics U18 Championships.
Jake Odey-Jordan, 16, was absolutely obliterating the field in Banska Bystrica in Slovakia and rounded the final bend a long way in front.
But inexplicably, he then eased off, thinking either the finishing line was closer than it was or his lead was insurmountable.
His competitors then sped past him, leaving Odey-Jordan to finish in fourth place with a time of 22.12 in heat four.
His misjudgement led to him being eliminated from the competition, which he was a big favourite to win.
Jake Odey-Jordan was streaking clear of the field before inexplicably slowing down
After he had eased off, the British rising star was overtaken by three other sprinters
Odey-Jordan (pictured at a different event) took full responsibility for his mistake and said he had felt good in the race
Odey-Jordan fronted up when interviewed about his error and said: ‘It is all right. I mean, it is my fault, so I cannot be sad about anything but myself.
‘It is what it is. It felt good. It was not the fastest run, but it felt good. For sure, it could have been sub 21. But it is all good though.
‘I am just out here, it is my first race on this meet. I just tried to get on my legs, nothing hurts me or nothing like that.’
On his Instagram profile he echoed those words by reposting comments he’d appeared to have been sent by others.
He posted this comment on his Instagram story after the embarrassing mishap
Another repost suggested it was some kind of divine will that he threw away the lead
One read: ‘Things truly happen for a reason. We live and learn. You are still young.’
Another simply put: ‘God said: #notyet’.