11 of the most painful mistakes and embarrassing blunders in Olympic history

The Olympics are the ultimate showcase of human ability. 

Years of training and dedication culminate in a fleeting bid for glory, the outcome of which can decide an athlete's future in the sporting world.

Sadly, the outcome can be pretty soul-destroying for some.

While their teammates go on to win gold, others fluff their shot at Olympic success entirely. 

With the Rio games in full swing, we've taken a look back at the moments Olympians and the event's organisers would rather we forgot about.