Canadian Olympics Announcer Mixes Up Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte: ‘Oops, I Blew It!’

12.08.2016 23:59

TheWrap.com

The most important job of a sportscaster is knowing who won the competition.

Unfortunately, Canadian announcer Elliotte Friedman failed on that front when he mixed up Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte during CBC’s live broadcast of the men’s 200 meter individual medley swimming race at the Rio Olympics on Thursday.

“Finally, he’s going to do it! Ryan Lochte is going to beat Michael Phelps in this event in the Games!” Friedman proclaimed, according to the Toronto Star.

Also Read: Ratings: Simone Biles, Michael Phelps Can't Reach NBC's Rio Record

Hmmm, no — actually, Phelps smoked the competition and pulled away from the rest of the field to touch the wall almost two seconds ahead of his next-closest rival, Japan’s Kosuke Hagino, to win his fourth gold medal at the Rio Games and the 22nd gold of his career.

As for Lochte, the grey/green-haired U.S. swimmer came in a disappointing fifth.

“I’m sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses,” Friedman tweeted after the gaffe.

Also Read: Michael Phelps Goes Viral: 11 Funniest #PhelpsFace Reactions

While he got a great deal of support for the honest mistake and subsequent humble apology, the respected sports journalist also got a solid dose of good-natured ribbing on social media.

See the tweets below.

Very embarrassing moment for the CBC commentators! pic.twitter.com/Ffj2wQVr6O

— Paul Bishop (@yyzpalacefan) August 12, 2016

I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 12, 2016

Elliotte Friedman right now…#Rio2016 #Swimming #CBCOlympics #BlownCall #Olympics #Phelps pic.twitter.com/ykzjfgn8zU

— Darrell (@SpiderDarrell) August 12, 2016

I didn't see it, but I know few people more professional, or better, than @FriedgeHNIC. He'll take this harder than anybody.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) August 12, 2016

Steve Harvey is cackling and rolling a blunt. #ElliotteFriedman

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) August 12, 2016

Just catching up to the @FriedgeHNIC bobble last night. No big deal. He'll go through the repechage and still win gold for his great work

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCtsn) August 12, 2016

It can happen to anyone @FriedgeHNIC and you'll be laughing about it in no time. Handled it like a pro.

— Max Domi (@max_domi) August 12, 2016

If there is one person in the business who doesn't need people standing up for him it's @FriedgeHNIC. Hasn't stopped dozens from doing so.

— Scott Burnside (@ESPN_Burnside) August 12, 2016

Having once and ONLY once tried to call a swim meet (on radio) all empathy to @FriedgeHNIC. Hang in there, Brother.

— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) August 12, 2016

@FriedgeHNIC Elliote. We've not met. But we heard from all in Canada how amazing you are. Such an easy mistake to make. You'lll ride again

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 12, 2016

8 PR Nightmares to Hit Rio Before Olympics, From Zika to Mutilated Bodies (Photos)

The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus, check out eight problems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies.
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Parts of a mutilated body washed up on Copacabana beach where the volleyball competition will occur, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian
Only 49 days before the Opening Ceremony, the governor of Rio de Janeiro declared a state of financial emergency and asked for federal support, according to The Guardian.

Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
"This is the most serious issue in Rio and the state is doing a terrible, horrible job," Rio mayor Eduardo Paes told CNN when asked about policing violent crime. "It's completely failing at its work of policing and taking care of people."

Also Read: Rio Warns Olympics at Risk Due to State’s ‘Severe Economic Crisis’
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Brazil is one of at least 58 countries and territories that have reported transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization.

Also Read: Zika Terror: 150 Global Health Experts Urge Rio Olympics Be Moved or Postponed
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Fears of the Zika virus and its potential danger to a developing fetus resulted in pregnant NBC host Savannah Guthrie skipping the games.

Also Read: Pregnant Savannah Guthrie to Skip Rio Olympics Over Zika Virus Fears (Video)
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The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be absent several notable names across several sports, due to concerns over the Zika virus, injuries and scheduling conflicts.

Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
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A gold-medal winning Australian Paralympian Liesl Tesch was recently mugged at gunpoint.

Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
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Last month, armed gunmen killed a man at Souza Aguiar hospital, one of the five hospitals designated to treat tourists during the Rio Games. It was as attempt to free a drug kingpin, according to CNN.

Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
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Summer Games start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Brazil won’t be ready

The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus, check out eight problems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies.

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