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1. Bell Ringing Fail
Before the 2012 Olympics were off and running, this flop by the British Culture Secretary happily made its way around the Internet.
2. Public Relations Fail
In an effort to emulate the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Games, London Mayor Boris Johnson got himself stuck in a rather tricky situation.
The result produced a general heyday across the Internet. And we're sure more memes are to come.
3. Flag Identification Fail
The Olympics are all about representing your country with national pride. It's hard to accomplish that as a North Korean footballer mislabeled as South Korean.
Due to the mistake, the match between North Korea and Colombia was delayed. Olympic organizers were quick to apologize, but the damage was done.
4. Poignant Moment Fail
Apparently, the London Games organizers struggle with attaching things. First the bell, and then the American flag came unattached and drifted to the ground during the gold medal presentation ceremony for tennis star Serena Williams.
She seemed unfazed, but the embarrassment certainly must have distressed the IOC and London officials, not to mention a few ultra-patriotic Americans.
5. Awareness Fail
Sometimes the stars align and something awesome happens. Sometimes the starts align and this happens.
Neither athlete was watching their step, and the tumble is so comical, it almost looks planned.
6. Piggy Back Fail
After completing a race, Jamaican sprinter Melaine Walker decides to join in the fun with the Berlin Games' mascot, who was eager to tote her around, piggyback style.
Note to self: Never ride piggyback with someone in a mascot getup. We're just hoping the mascot costume cushioned the blow, but that doesn't make up for bruised pride.
7. Fail Turns to Win in No Time
Sometimes fails can turn to wins very quickly. After two athletes were disqualified for jumping the gun, only athlete Eric Moussambani from Equatorial Guinea remained.
He struggled to the very end and did not make the cut, but his efforts certainly caught the attention of an audience willing to see someone achieve their own goals.
8. Pump Up the Crowd Fail
If you're going to pump up the crowd before your event, make sure you're in the right frame of mind to actually complete your task. Otherwise, you look a little dopey — Carlton Lavong of Norristown, Pa. went face-first into the long jump pit on his final jump.
9. Coordination Fail
You'll find plenty of these types of fails, but this one is especially delightful.
10. Gymnast Fail
In gymnastics, fails occur with the most regularity. The sport requires an extreme amount of focus and physical discipline. Here's a nice compilation of tricks gone slightly awry.
11. Hurdles Fail
This guy just doesn't care. We liked him before the Games started, and we're guessing we'll continue to enjoy him forever.
Olympic athletes are at the top of their game, having labored tirelessly for years to prepare their bodies for the grandest of stages. And because of this ceaseless conditioning, no athlete ever makes an error.
Oh, wait. That’s not right at all.
We are still human, and despite long days spent training, we’ll always encounter occasional errors. Luckily, we’ve caught those Olympic sport errors so you, the Internet audience, can enjoy them for all time.
Are these the best Olympic fails you’ve ever seen? Show us your favorite fail moments in the comments below.
