‘Awkward’: US Olympic fans react to ‘weird’ podium act after swim final

It was one of the most heartwarming moments at the Olympic pool, but some Americans have branded it “awkward” and “weird”.

It was one of the most heartwarming moments of day two at the pool, but some Americans have branded two US swimmers sharing the top of the medal podium as “awkward” and “weird”.

Torri Huske shocked the globe by upsetting American teammate Gretchen Walsh in the 100m butterfly final after many expected Walsh to break a world record in the event.

Huske, who just missed the podium in Tokyo, was all class as she attempted to pull off the dual task of celebrating the best moment of her life while empathising with her compatriot, who grabbed silver.

She pulled it off spectacularly as the medals were handed out, asking Walsh to join her on the top step as the American anthem was played.

US reacts to awkward podium act.

But not everyone agreed with the move, arguing the moment was Huske’s to enjoy alone from her elevated position and also left China’s Zhang Yufei, the bronze medallist, in the shade.

“Never seen that done, kinda weird?” one viewer wrote on social media.

“Awkward for the bronze medallist,” added another.

But many others were in full support of the “beautiful gesture”. “Here’s to the power of lifting one another up,” one wrote.

Walsh was heavily favoured after announcing herself to the world at the US trials last month.

Coming off a record-setting collegiate season for the University of Virginia, she shattered Sarah Sjoestroem’s eight-year-old world best and has clocked the three fastest times ever.

Torrie Huske (centre) shares the top step with Gretchen Walsh. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“It might not have been the time I was necessarily looking for, but to even medal at my first Olympics is something that I don’t think many people get to say. I’m honoured, truly,” said Walsh.

“I’m so proud of Torri, she has worked so hard for that. I’m proud of myself. That was what America needed and wanted. It was a really special moment we shared up there on the podium.”

Walsh turned first to the roars of a sellout crowd at La Defense Arena and seemed destined for glory but Huske chased her down to touch in 55.59 seconds.

The look on Huske’s face said it all. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/AFP

“It’s very surreal,” said Huske after winning her second Paris medal, having been part of the United States’ silver-medal winning 4x100m freestyle relay team on Saturday.

“I don’t really remember my race that much. My first 50 felt good, and then I’ve been really working on my second 50 a lot, especially after last year.

“I’ve kind of had a weak finish and died in my race, like lost it all in the last 50, so I really wanted to have a good, strong last 50.

“It’s just very overwhelming when you’ve been training for this moment for so long.”

Canadian defending champion Maggie Mac Neil finished fifth and Australia’s Emma McKeon, the queen of the pool in Tokyo with seven medals, came sixth.

– with AFP

Originally published as ‘Awkward’: US Olympic fans react to ‘weird’ podium act after swim final