A play-by-play announcer for Canada's CBC is apologizing for mixing up swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, announcing Lochte as the winner of the 200-meter individual medley final even though Phelps blew away his American teammate and the rest of the competition.
Elliotte Friedman quickly realized his mistake on the air when an on-screen graphic appeared showing Phelps had won. His tone immediately changed from excited to gutted and he corrected himself, saying: "I apologize, I got my lanes mixed up."
I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 12, 2016
Friedman apologized further on Twitter, saying: "I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses."
Phelps' win was his fourth gold in Rio and his 22nd overall in the Olympics. Lochte finished fifth, nearly 3 seconds behind Phelps.
Watch the event below with Friedman's mistaken call. He realizes his error at the end.
Very embarrassing moment for the CBC commentators! pic.twitter.com/Ffj2wQVr6O
— Paul Bishop (@yyzpalacefan) August 12, 2016