Awkward moment Olympic diver slips headfirst onto board in front of French President at Paris 2024 pool unveiling
A DIVER scored top marks for bad timing as he fell off the board at an Olympic pool opening – watched by the French president.
Tokyo 2020 star Alexis Jandard tumbled spectacularly as the £154million Aquatic Centre was unveiled for Paris 2024.
Jandard bounced up and down alongside two other divers on 3metre springboard as they prepared to somersault when he lost his balance.
Spiralling backwards, the 2022 World Aquatics Championships silver medallist hit his foot and then his bottom on the board.
That caused him to topple into the water, with his limbs flaying.
It’s not the best way for the 26-year-old to prepare for his own participation in this summer’s Olympics.
And it was also in front of dignitaries like president Emmanuel Macron.
But Jandard appeared more amused than embarrassed afterwards.
He told French outlet RMC Sport: “I want to reassure you right away, there is no problem
“Everything is fine. I didn’t hurt myself, these are things that happen unfortunately.
“It came at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all. These are things that happen but don’t usually happen to me.
“I’ve broken boards before but the board has never broken me before.”
He also tried to explain just how such a rare incident for an elite diver happened.
Jandard said: “I arrived on my support and my leg gave out. I didn’t slip or anything.
“Afterwards I fell on the board. It’s non-slip and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still my back on the board there. Small hazards.
“Plus it was live so obviously we ended up like that. It’s a shame but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”
The Aquatics Centre can hold 5,000 spectators and is the only new permanent sport structure built for the Paris Olympics.
Water polo, diving and synchronised swimming will take place at the venue next to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
French outlet RFI reported Macros as saying: “There is a great human chain that has made it possible to build this centre.
“You can be proud of what you have around here.”