A new swimming controversy is brewing at the Paris Olympics.
British swimmer Hannie Oslin placed second in the women’s 200m backstroke semi-final on Thursday in a time of 2 minutes 7.84 seconds, qualifying for Friday’s final.
However, footage of the race posted on social media, but since removed, showed Oslin swimming underwater beyond the 15-metre mark – grounds for disqualification.
But the judges never declared that.
Athletes must break out onto the water before the 15-meter mark at the start of the race and after each turn. Red markers on the lane ropes are used to judge the competition.
The Paris La Défense arena in Nanterre, France, where swimming events are being held, uses aerial and underwater cameras to monitor for any violations. According to the official Olympic website:.
Many people took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the judges.
2024 Paris Olympics
“Why have a 15-meter judge if they’re going to overlook something as blatant as this? Hanni Oslin is the No. 3 seed in the finals in this event. She should be disqualified,” Sports Illustrated’s Pat Ford wrote in Thursday’s X paper.
“Why wasn’t lane 3 disqualified?” University of Tampa swimming assistant coach Phil Murray wrote to Xalong with clips from the event.
Others cried out “Clear” violations and Expressed“Oslin was very lucky not to call 15 meters.”
Oslin, making her Olympic debut, finished runner-up to defending champion Kayleigh McKeown of Australia.
The 21-year-old Oslin recorded a personal best of 2 minutes 7.84 seconds in the women’s 200-meter backstroke semifinals.
She improved her Olympic qualifying time of 2 minutes 8.37 seconds at the British Championships in April.
This is not the only swimming controversy at the Paris Games.
British swimmer Luke Greenbank was disqualified in the men’s 200m backstroke heat on Wednesday after being over 15 metres late.
Video replays showed the 26-year-old was in the water just beyond the 15-metre mark at the start of the race.
Oslin is scheduled to compete in the women’s 200-meter backstroke final on Friday.
