Moment jobsworth Olympics 2024 official shows red flag to gold medallist while she is overcome with emotion

4 months ago 45

HARUKA KITAGUCHI’s golden moment after winning the Olympic javelin competition was spoilt by a jobsworth official.

The Japanese thrower came into the 2024 Paris Games as a world champion.

And she added Olympic gold to her increasingly impressive collection with a sensational throw of 65.80 metres.

Heading into her last throw, Kitaguchi knew she had already secured gold by out-throwing South Africa’s Jo-Ane van Dyk and Czech Nikola Ogrodníkova.

Despite that, Kitaguchi stepped up anyway for the final throw and walked over the throw line in a sign of pure emotion.

But rules are rules and the no-nonsense official glared at Kitaguchi and gave her a red flag.

The hilarious moment was caught be cameras as Kitaguchi let out her joy at becoming Olympic champ.

Kitaguchi finished in 12th place three years ago in Tokyo and thanked her team for her heroics in the French capital.

She said:“I cannot believe this. This wasn’t easy for me.

“Before, I couldn’t train well, but my physio and my team believed in me. Without their help, I cannot get gold today.

“Actually, my training throw wasn’t good. It was too much. But this time, I can throw 65.80m, so for me, really good.”

Silver medalist Van Dyk said: “On the day, anything can happen. It’s anybody’s game. I feel like this Olympics has been one for the underdogs.

“I was like, okay, third round, I have to produce something big. Being in the top eight is going to be difficult.

“I was just trying to get into the top eight and pushing for top three. Luckily the third throw got me in there and it stayed there.”