Tokyo 2020: Watch Team GB pole vaulter Harry Coppell smashe two front teeth in training and need emergency treatment
TEAM GB pole-vaulter Harry Coppell had two front teeth knocked out in practice – but still fancies a gold crown at the Olympics.
The British champ joked ‘I hope @tokyo2020 has a good dentist’ after the bar smashed into his face during a training vault.
It left medal contender Coppell, 25, seeking emergency dental work in the Japanese capital.
But he is confident his mishap will not be a bridge tooth far for his Tokyo dream.
The Merseysider tweeted a video of the incident, alongside the words and added: “Got some good vaulting done tonight at the @teamgb holding camp!
“HOWEVER…The bar then fell on my face and messed up all my teeth. I hope @tokyo2020 has a good dentist around.”
Coppell cleared the bar comfortably enough – but it followed him down onto the safety mat.
He grabbed at it as he lay on his back but it fell out of his hands and crashed into him.
One of his front tooth was smashed and another chipped.
PLAY SUN BINGO FOR AS LITTLE AS 20p FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A SHARE OF £250,000! (18+ T&Cs apply)
Most read in Other Sports
Coppell won the British title in 2019 and 2020, when he set a national record of 5.85metres.
But Sweden’s world record-holder Armand Duplantis has leapt 6.18m.
So the Brit is braced for a huge tussle if he wants the top gong.
TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog
WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars