French diver Alexis Jandard slips during Olympic inauguration performance in front of Emmanuel Macron

4 April 2024, 18:24 | Updated: 4 April 2024, 22:37

A French diver took a tumble during an Olympic inauguration ceremony performed in front of distinguished guests - including Emmanuel Macron.

Alexis Jandard lost his footing at the vital moment on the 3m springboard, bouncing once then slamming his back onto the board before falling headfirst into the pool, causing an unwanted splash.

His fellow divers kept their composure and executed the synchronised performance barely rippling the water in contrast.

As well as leaving him red-faced, the accident left the Olympian athlete with a red back which he proudly showcased on social media with the caption "j'ai glissé chef" - "I slipped chief".

The caption also doubles as a quote from an old French film series, La Septième Compagnie, where a soldier during the Second World War constantly slips putting his squadron in jeopardy.

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Jandard took the fall gracefully and posted a "debrief" on Instagram where he jokingly said: "I fell in front of the president. I fell in front of the whole of France."

He even invited his followers to tease him for the mishap. "Honestly, I really deserve it," he said.

The smiling 26-year-old reassured everyone that "everything is fine" adding: "I didn't hurt myself. There was a little bit of blood but that is okay."

Jandard, who has twice represented France at the World Aquatics Championships, defiantly said: "That won't stop me from going to practice this afternoon."

Speaking to French publication RMC Sport, Jandard said: "These are things that happen but don't usually happen to me. I've broken boards before but the board has never broken me before. Now it's done."

The incident happened as French President Emmanuel Macron officially inaugurated the Olympic Aquatic Centre (OAC) ahead of the games to be held in Paris this summer.

Mr Macron pressed the button which unfurled the French tricolour from the highest platform, as other divers leapt in unison into the pool.

Speaking about the inauguration, he said: "This centre is in line with what we want. It matches our ambitions and will change people's lives.

"We want to welcome the world, our athletes to win a lot of medals and it to be an incredible moment of French pride."

(c) Sky News 2024: French diver Alexis Jandard slips during Olympic inauguration performance in front of Emmanuel Macron