Jake Odey-Jordan goes viral for idiotic mistake at European Athletics U18 Championships

British teenager Jake Odey-Jordan has made an unforgettable impression at the European Athletics Under-18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.

On Friday, the young star lined up in lane six for heat 4 of the 200 meters and took off as the athletes rounded the bend.

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Odey-Jordan took the lead with about 120 meters to go and was well ahead when he hit the home straight.

The race was as one-sided as you’re likely to see, with the Briton speeding away while the rest of the field bunched up on the road home.

But then the unthinkable happened.

With less than 50 metres to go in the race, Odey-Jordan lifted his foot off the accelerator and began to slow down while taking a quick look over his left and right shoulder.

He then really slowed down as he approached the line as the pack caught up and overtook him, with the British rider eventually crossing the line in fifth place.

His time was 22.12 seconds, which eliminated him from the competition.

The British rider spoke after the race and took responsibility for the strange error that cost him dearly.

“It’s okay. It’s my fault, so I can’t be sad about anything but myself,” Odey-Jordan said after the race.

“It is what it is. I felt good. It wasn’t the fastest race, but I felt good. I could have been under 21 for sure. But it’s all good anyway.”

“I just went out for a run, it’s my first race in this event. I tried to stand up, I didn’t have any pain or anything like that.”

The bizarre scenes quickly went viral and the video racked up more than 2 million views, leaving viewers absolutely stunned by what had happened.