Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

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

CHARLES CLARKAug 10, 2016, 16:53 IST

REUTERS

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.