Michael Phelps won his fourth gold medal of the 2016 Olympics and his 22nd gold medal of all-time when he beat out American teammate Ryan Lochte in the finals of the 200m individual medley on Thursday.
But for a good 30 seconds, many Canadian viewers thought Phelps fell well short of that goal and had his thunder stolen by Lochte -- because that's what they were being told by CBC Olympic announcer Elliotte Friedman during the race's final moments.
Indeed, Friedman confused Phelps, who was swimming in Lane 4, with Lochte in Lane 5. "Phelps doesn't look like he has this one in him!" he exclaimed. "Ryan Lochte is going to beat Michael Phelps in this event, and Phelps might not even make the podium!"
It wasn't until after the race concluded that Friedman realized his mistake and was audibly embarrassed by his gaffe.
Lololol, CBC commentators mixed up their USA lanes and were SCREAMING about Lochte winning #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/7N2ccxMMMB
— Bryan (@NachoHelmet) August 12, 2016
Very embarrassing moment for the CBC commentators! pic.twitter.com/Ffj2wQVr6O
— Paul Bishop (@yyzpalacefan) August 12, 2016
It was a sizable error but an understandable one -- and Friedman owned his mistake immediately afterwards.
I'm sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 12, 2016
