PARIS 2024 Olympics viewers were left hit by a surprise lunar eclipse as one athlete had a major wardrobe malfunction.
During the men’s surfing event, fans got more than they bargained for as German Tim Elter took a tumble in the water.
On its own that would have not been of particular note, but while taking a swim Elter’s shorts unexpectedly came off.
And as Elter went to dive below an incoming wave, his bare bottom was left on show for unsuspecting viewers.
Fans at home were stunned by the sudden moon, with one saying: “Let’s just say there was a full moon during this Olympic surfing competition.”
A second said: “Tim Elter making history at the Olympics.”
Another said: “Here’s a live look-in on Tim Elter’s best move so far – moon diving.”
A fourth added: “A rough ride for German Tim Elter.”
If that was not enough to put a dampener on Elter’s day, then the 20-year-old would have been left feeling blue after finishing bottom of his heat.
Elter – who is said to be fluent in five languages – was part of the first heat of the event taking place in Teahupo’o, Tahiti.
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However, he only managed to finish bottom of his group behind Australian Ethan Ewing and South African Jordy Smith.
The medal matches for men’s surfing are scheduled to take place on July 31.
Winners of the heats go directly into round two, with the losers reseeded in the elimination round two.
Fortunately for Elter, this means he has the chance to save some face when he competes again from 23:24 BST later today.
Surfing was a controversial addition to the Olympic roster when it made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, with many believing it could fundamentally not be included.
However, while it is on the more niche side of the sports viewers tend to watch during the Games, it has proved to be popular among those competing.
Tokyo men’s bronze medallist Owen Wright called it the “most special achievement” of his glittering career.
How is it scored?
A panel of five judges scores rides out of 10 points and a surfer’s best two waves are combined to give a total out of 20.
Points can be deducted if they get an interference – such as getting in the way of another surfer who has priority.
There are no particular points for a given manoeuvre, but taking on the biggest, most intense waves and riding inside the barrel – where the wave breaks – for the longest time will score favourably.
Why is it in Tahiti?
While nearly every other sport is being competed over in Paris, the European climate and glaring lack of a beach means this event has been outsourced to a warmer part of the world.
France’s surfing beaches are usually flat in the summer, while Tahiti, located in French Polynesia, has huge swells out of the south Pacific throughout the southern hemisphere winter which then hits the reefs at Teahupo’o, creating stunning waves perfect for the Olympics.
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
THE PARIS 2024 Olympics started with a stunning Opening Ceremony – and now the Games really do begin.
SunSport brings you all the action taking place in the French capital on a thrilling first full day.
Adam Peaty will be the headline act for Team GB as he goes for gold in the final of the 100m breaststroke (8.50pm).
A lot of eyes will also be on LeBron James, Stephen Curry and the Team USA men’s basketball team, who start their campaign against Nikola Jokic and Serbia (11.15am ET / 4.15pm BST).
There are not expected to be too many other British medal tilts on Sunday, but the women’s gymnastics team (all day) are going through qualification as are the rowing teams (from 8am).
The both the men’s (vs South Africa, 7.15pm) and women’s hockey teams (vs Spain 12.15pm) are both in action.
American swimming stars Carson Foster and Tori Huske are among a multitude of stars joining Adam Peaty in the pool from around 7pm BST / 2pm ET.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
