The FINA swimming world championships got a little strange on Saturday as the officials had to hold two medal ceremonies due to some controversy.
American swimmers Justin Ress and Hunter Armstrong initially finished first and second in the men’s 50 meter backstroke, separated by only .02 seconds. However, Ress was disqualified from the event when he appeared to submerge underwater at the finish.
Armstrong was elevated to the gold medal, but instead of joy, he felt sorrow towards his friend and fellow American.
“I would rather have taken second with him,” Armstrong said. “To have it taken away from him sucks.