Runner goes viral after idiotic mistake during 200m race

A British teenager has left social media users in disbelief after doing the unthinkable in the closing stages of a championship race.

British teenager Jake Odey-Jordan has produced a brain fade for the ages at the U18 European Athletics Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.

On Friday the young star lined up in lane six for heat 4 of the 200m and burst out of the blocks as the athletes made their way around the bend.

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Odey-Jordan took the lead with around 120m to go and was well out in front as he hit the home straight.

The race was as one-sided as you’re likely to see with the Brit powering away as the rest of the field bunched up on the run home.

But then the unthinkable happened.

With less than 50 metres to go in the race, Odey-Jordan took his foot off the gas and began to ease up as he took a quick glance over both his left and right shoulder.

He then really slowed up as he got closer to the line as the field caught up and shot past him, with the Brit runner ultimately crossing the line in fifth place.

His time came in at 22.12 seconds which saw him eliminated from the competition.

The Brit runner spoke after the race and took ownership for the bizarre mistake that cost him dearly.

“It is all right. I mean, it is my fault, so I cannot be sad about anything but myself,” Odey-Jordan said after the race.

“It is what it is. It felt good. It was not the fastest run, but it felt good. For sure, it could have been sub 21. But it is all good though.

“I am just out here, it is my first race on this meet. I just tried to get on my legs, nothing hurts me or nothing like that.”

The bizarre scenes quickly went viral with the video racking up over 2 million views and leaving viewers absolutely stunned by what had taken place.

He was miles in front on the home straight

He then eased right up and was eliminated

Tennis journalist Jose Morgado wrote on X: “Omg what did I just watch.”

European Athletics wrote: “A valuable lesson learned. Don’t ease back *that* early.”

One user wrote: “This is so bad. Would pay good money to hear what his coach said to him after.”

Another added: “I don’t think there’s ever been a greater advert for checking your mirrors than this, like ever.”

Others however believed the moment would prove to be a big moment for the runner who has shown serious signs of promise.

Athletics journalist Tim Adams wrote: “The first point here is that he will never forget this and it could be a blessing in disguise in the long-term. The second is that he is one of the UK’s most talented young sprinters with incredible potential. At 16, he has already run 20.55 over 200m.”

Broadcaster Stan Collymore wrote: “A young man who now has the benefit of never doing it again in his armoury, aged 16! Probably watched a video of Bolt easing up, not realising Bolt was still doing 6000 miles an hour when jogging.”

Originally published as Runner goes viral after idiotic mistake during 200m race