French pole vaulter goes viral at Paris 2024 Olympics after his member costs him a medal

Clarence Ford interviews Barbara Friedman about this and other trending news on the web.

Listen below (skip to 05:00).

Anthony Ammirati, a 21-year-old French pole vaulter, has become an internet sensation at the Paris 2024 Olympics – not for his athletic prowess, but for an unfortunate mishap involving the bar and his manhood.

Ammirati appeared set to clear 5.70m until, during his third attempt on Saturday, a rather sensitive part of his anatomy made an unintended and painful contact with the bar.

The result? A social media storm of laughter and sympathy.

One user on X quipped, "Anthony Ammirati might've lost the #Olympics competition, but he’s already won the genetic lottery…"

Another added, "21-year-old French pole-vaulter Anthony Ammirati may have missed out on Olympic gold, but I see big things in his future."

While social media is abuzz with jokes about Ammirati’s unfortunate encounter, French media are focusing on the cruel twist of fate for the athlete, who, alongside other French pole vaulters, has now exited the Games without a medal opportunity.

"It is a sight to behold, I have to say, it left very little to the imagination."

- Barbara Friedman

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