Sam Dickinson didn't claim gold in the Men's Triathlon but he may well have just delivered the most selfless act of the Olympics in Paris.
Dickinson, from York, competed in the event alongside long-time friend and teammate Alex Yee.
The race was rearranged from Tuesday morning to Wednesday following heavy rain affecting pollution levels River Seine and saw Dickinson lead the way in the final transition after a strong showing in the swim leg.
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He pushed the pace on the bike, but when it came to the running stretch, Dickinson made a quite sensational sacrifice.
He helped pilot Yee, a specialist 10k runner in the triathlon, towards the front and ensured no one emerged from the pack.
The 27-year-old then retired at the very beginning of the running leg to rest up for the mixed-team relay event on Monday.
Footage captured the moment he eased up and withdrew from the race.
Yee, having been around 12 seconds behind Hayden Wilde of New Zealand on the final lap, turned on the afterburners and powered away to overtake his opponent and claim team GB's fifth gold medal in the French capital.
Yee recorded an incredible time of 1:43:33, six seconds ahead of silver medalist Wilde.
He fell to the floor after crossing the finish line and shared an embrace with Wilde.
Yee and Dickinson then took part in a brilliant interview with Eurosport, reflecting on the journey they've been on together.
"He has been my housemate growing up, through Uni and freshers, so special," Yee said.
“This guy, we lived together for two to three years, he got me out of bed a few times. I’m so proud of him.
"We’ll share a relay team together. We’ll try make this guy’s dreams come true later on.”
Dickinson stressed how difficult it was to make the sacrifice but felt it was all worth it for the triumph.
He added: “What a day, Alex is special. Alex won, I didn’t win, stepping off the course, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
"It’s not about me, helping a mate achieve his dreams, is special.”
Topics: Olympics
Josh Lawless