Team GB’s Jack Burnell was left cursing his luck after a disqualification cost him a medal in the men’s 10km marathon swim at Fort Copacabana.
The 23-year old from Loughborough was in the medal mix throughout the race, surging to the front of the pack for the sprint finish.
But after getting his head in front in the final stretch, the European silver medallist found himself held back by Tunisia’s Oussama Mellouli.
While the Brit managed to free himself from the Tunisian’s clutches and regain momentum, crossing the line in a photo finish for third, he was disqualified after the race for his role in the incident.
And Burnell insisted the referee’s decision had left a sour taste in his mouth, spoiling what should have been an exciting climax to the race.
“I’m furious because I should have won the race,” said Burnell, who is making his Olympic debut in Rio.
“Okay, the guy [Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia] grabbed my leg which I’m furious enough about to start with. But then they go and take the place which I finished, and say I’m disqualified.
“It’s a double hit. Disqualifying me and getting screwed over in the finish. He was yellow carded for that which stopped me winning and I was disqualified for getting him off to try and win the race.
“I’m without a doubt one of the fastest finishers in there. We knew that coming into this. So that line was perfect for me. But it’s just all ruined. It’s four years of work down the drain – absolutely down the drain.”