A Leading Pentathlete was left in tears after her horse refused to jump, scuppering her hopes for a gold medal.
Germany’s Annika Schleu, 31, was distraught after her horse Saint Boy refused to jump during a round in the modern pentathlon.
She held the equivalent of a 24-second lead after the fencing and swimming rounds.
But she went from first to last after disaster struck in the showjumping round of the modern pentathlon.
Riding Saint Boy for the equestrian event, Schleu could be seen welling up as the horse kept jumping around, appearing spooked by something.
After several attempts, Schleu had to abandon proceedings and left her chances at winning the Modern Pentathlon in tatters.
Fans on social media said they have to turn it off and described the moment as heartbreaking.
BBC commentator Heather Fell said: "She needs to compose herself in this moment. This is a ride for an Olympic medal.
"It is falling apart for Annika Schleu. This is really, really sad to watch.
"The German coaches are watching the points disappear, watching the German dream disappear.
"This is a real-life nightmare. I think she realises all hopes are over.
"She has lost her chance at an Olympic title. This is hard to watch, it is hard to commentate on.
"Her face says it all. The crowd don't really know how to react. It is heartbreaking."
The German narrowly missed out on a medal in this event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and the agonising wait for an Olympic medal continues.
Team GB’s Kate French went on to win the event and clinch a historic gold medal for Team GB.
She became the first British winner of the modern pentathlon since the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
An ecstatic French, who considered retiring after the 2016 Games, told the BBC: “I don’t know what just happened, I can’t really believe it right now.
“I just knew I had to focus and I knew I could do it if I just focused on my shooting and ran as hard as I could.”
Beaming with pride, she added: “The team were supporting and I could hear them in the crowd and everyone back home, I can’t thank them enough for their support.
“I couldn't have done it without them, so thanks so much. Thanks to the National Lottery, I wouldn’t be here without them either, so thanks to everyone who buys lottery tickets, I really appreciate it.”
