Australian speed skater Brendan Corey crashed out during the quarter-finals of the 1000m short-track event.
On the final corner, Corey, who was in third place, took out Dutchman Itzhak de Laat and China’s Ren Ziwei while attempting to sneak into the second spot.
The 25-year-old after the race was penalised for “lane change causing contact”.
The collision allowed Turkey’s Furkan Akar to claim the victory while advancing to the next stage.
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The Canadian-born Corey was looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Australian Steven Bradbury, who famously won the 1000m event 20 years ago at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Tonight’s result for Corey was a reversal of how Bradbury claimed his gold medal, sliding through the finish line alone after four rivals collided and sprawled across the ice.
“I saw a space … but my blades didn’t hold the corner. I felt if I didn’t fall, I’m sure I would have made it [through to the next stage],” Corey said.
“I’d say it was a success. I came here just to race and compete and I did that. I still have the 500m to look forward to later in the week.”
PyeongChang silver medallist Hungarian John-Henry Krueger, who crossed the finish line first, was also penalised after he bumped Corey earlier in the race.
Corey, in his first Winter Olympics, was asked if there was any pressure on his shoulders to replicate Bradbury’s gold medal.
“The way he won his medal was awesome and nobody can take that away from him,” he replied.
“I just came here to race my race. Unfortunately, this time it didn’t work out. There’s always the 500 to come.”
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