Sports commentators dream about calling historic moments that fans will look back on for generations to come. However, Canadian broadcaster Elliotte Friedman will want to burn the evidence of his gaffe at the Rio Olympics.
With American superstar Michael Phelps vying for his 22nd gold medal in the 200-metre individual medley, Friedman got confused by the lanes and swimming caps of Phelps and fellow American Ryan Lochte.
Friedman thought Phelps was Lochte and Lochte was Phelps and it completely spoiled the moment for Canadian viewers.
Instead of singing the praises for Phelps, Friedman lamented the fact that Phelps wasn’t even in the medals.
Lololol, CBC commentators mixed up their USA lanes and were SCREAMING about Lochte winning #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/7N2ccxMMMB
— Bryan (@NachoHelmet) August 12, 2016
“Phelps doesn’t look like he has this one in him,” Friedman explained, despite the 31-year-old streaking well ahead of the field with 25 metres to swim.
“Ryan Lochte going for his 13th career medal, saving the best for last. Finally he’s going to do it. Ryan Lochte is going to beat Michael Phelps!”
“And Phelps might not even make the podium.”
Then, the broadcaster’s heart sank as he saw the on-screen graphics revealed Phelps had actually won. There was a moment of silence as he realised what he’d done and tried to work out what to say.
“I apologise, I got my lanes mixed up, Phelps with the gold,” he said almost apologetically.
To his credit, rather than going into hiding, Friedman went straight on social media and reiterated his apology.
I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 12, 2016
The frank apology led to an outpouring of support on Twitter.
Feeling it for Elliot Friedman @FriedgeHNIC tonight. Everyone makes mistakes. He owned it, move on.
— Jim Van Horne (@jvanh) August 12, 2016
Ice hockey is Friedman’s preferred sport and despite a long career in the sports industry the 45-year-old will be remembered for getting it all mixed up in Brazil. You’ve got to feel for the guy.
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