One runner took his lead for granted and paid the humiliating price, as he was filmed getting pipped to the finish line, after slowing down to prematurely celebrate his win.
In the clip at the Sagunto triathlon in eastern Spain on Sunday, Mateo Bustos can be seen fist-pumping as it looked like he was going to win.
That was until fellow runner, Germán Cister seized the opportunity to motor past him and claim victory for himself in the final moments of the race.
Realising his embarrassing blunder, Bustos - who finished in second place - can be seen covering his face with his hands as he crosses the finish line.
A vore, deixeu el postureo ja! En serio 😂 😂 😂
— Gotet de Modernor (@elgotet) June 20, 2021
Volum a tope pic.twitter.com/t7Eau9tCOB
An onlooker videoed the whole scene that played out, including the shock on the spectator’s faces.
One of them even said in Spanish: “OMG! But how can he be so stupid?”
Since the clip was posted on Twitter, it has gone viral and has received over 2.4m views and 45,000 likes.
People online have been commenting on how hilarious the footage is.
😂😂😂😂😂😂 wonderful. Made my day this has https://t.co/2T50rN5ne3
— sheepdog (@sheepdogx2) June 21, 2021
Oh no! 😂 😢 gotta run thru the finish line bro https://t.co/vetW6ftd1S
— Large Marge (@largemarge76) June 21, 2021
They think it's all over...
— Tony Walters (@Carmonte) June 22, 2021
It is now https://t.co/gRnbuXo4XY
Always run through the tape! 😂 https://t.co/rGWFnAt6AD
— Mark Whittle (@Triathlon789) June 22, 2021
Second place is just the first loser! lmao https://t.co/53rtnL6XVX
— Scott Aseltine (@Kazoo750) June 21, 2021
We support Running now. pic.twitter.com/nVv1kijxms
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) June 20, 2021
Others didn’t feel too sympathetic towards Bustos.
Got what you deserved. Trying to be Joe Cool and got burned. https://t.co/s7YOoMMSt2
— Terry Reese (@TReeseTX) June 21, 2021
Run. Through. The. Damn. Line. https://t.co/0HIeieJmzp
— Ben (@TumoLPK) June 21, 2021
Run through the line! https://t.co/M8G9ssg0Ij
— Mark Atkinson - Run Like Duck (@montythemole) June 21, 2021
Loser https://t.co/TG3p5bWGZL
— SturmFCB🇷🇺 (@sturmfcb) June 20, 2021
Meanwhile, some people pointed out that there is a valuable life lesson to learn as a result of Bustos’ mistake.
This made me smile this morning as a perfect depiction of a determined mindset. Whether you are ahead or behind, racing yourself or other people, NEVER GIVE UP! https://t.co/NSBi2Tbfey
— Ben Andrews (@90mileshuffler) June 21, 2021
Moral of the story: it’s never done until it’s done… https://t.co/uixv7cw6Og
— Nasre (@NasreBensouda) June 20, 2021
Tortoise and hare.... something something about a "fat lady singing"?? https://t.co/bsmYXQiCW0
— Gerard Sugrue (@gerardsugrue) June 20, 2021
Though despite his embarrassing moment going viral, Bustos appeared unbothered by the attention and celebrated finishing in second place on Instagram.
In his post, the runner wrote: “Here again. Long trip, change of hemisphere and climate.
“Cullera Triathlon, League of Clubs of Spain. Suffering from start to finish but enjoying as it should be. Happy to be able to be back and represent the @multiesportbenitatxell.”
Next time, we’re sure that Bustos will cross the finishing line before celebrating his victory...
