Lutalo Muhammad lost out on an Olympic gold medal in the last second of a dramatic men’s 80kg taekwondo final against Cheick Sallah Cisse of the Ivory Coast.
The 25-year-old Londoner was in the lead but a head kick with the very last move of the contest gave the Ivory Coast the win – and Muhammad was utterly heartbroken.
He could not hide his raw emotion as he attempted to give an interview to the BBC straight after that was genuinely difficult to watch without fighting the urge to crawl through the TV and give him a hug.
Just half a second stood between #TeamGB's Lutalo Muhammad and his Olympic dream.
This a heartbreaking. #Rio2016 https://t.co/v0ZTcSDt53— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 20, 2016
People watching on TV – and in Rio – were tearing up at the scenes and felt so gutted for him, so sent him lots of love and good wishes on his still incredible achievement.
If he was near me, I'd have given him a big hug. That interview with Lutalo Heartbreaking. Choked in studio #LutaloMuhammad #GBR #bbcrio2016
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) August 20, 2016
That Lutalo Muhammad interview hit me right in the heart
— Trey (@T_WarnerNoel) August 20, 2016
That Lutalo Muhammad interview was heartbreaking man ð
— Alexius (@alexiusndoro) August 20, 2016
Lutalo Muhammad lost out to the gold medal in the last second ð© his interview was so emotional afterwards. He was still amazing though #GBR
— Jordana (@Jordi_xx) August 20, 2016
Just saw Lutalo Muhammad's interview. So heartbreaking. Absolutely gutted for him ð¢ð #GBR #Taekwondo #Rio2016
— Kalsu (@kalsu_xo) August 20, 2016
Never felt more respect for an athlete after that interview. Lutalo Muhammad, you are a legend. Go for gold in Tokyo. #Rio2016 #taekwondo
— Matt Daloisio (@MattDaloisio) August 20, 2016
BRB just grabbing a tissue.
