Team GB athlete Martyn Rooney has apologised for saying he “ran like a dick” during a post-race interview on BBC One.
Croydon-born Rooney, the current European 400m champion, had been expected to progress beyond the first round in the same event at the Rio Olympics last night (August 12). However, a disappointing run saw him finish fifth in his heat and narrowly miss out on a “fastest loser” place in the next round.
“I ran like a dick, it’s pretty much simple as that,” Rooney is quoted by Sports Mole as saying in his post-race interview on BBC One. ” [I came] to the Olympics to come perform with the best. I feel like I’m in PB shape.”
“I’m just gutted for myself and everyone that’s supported me,” he added. Watch a Vine of Rooney’s slip-up below.
https://twitter.com/JorgeWalsh/status/764260243987628032
Shortly after the interview, Rooney took to Twitter to apologise for his use of the word “dick”, which occurred well after the 9pm watershed. “I need to sort my head out for the relay and deliver for the guys when I’m needed,” he added.
— Martyn Rooney (@MartynRooney) August 13, 2016
However, many viewers appeared impressed by Rooney’s post-race candour, with one writing on Twitter: “Martyn Rooney calling himself a dick on national TV has made my life.”
https://twitter.com/_phoebewxx/status/764444274482147329
https://twitter.com/robyndavidsonxo/status/764262834675019776
'I ran like a dick'. Nice bit of honesty from Martyn Rooney in his post-race interview.
— Scott Pack (@meandmybigmouth) August 13, 2016
Martyn Rooney – "I ran like a dick" WHAT A HERO #Rio2016
— Mr. Footy Tips (@MrFootyTips) August 13, 2016