Making the Olympics is a dream come true for any athlete competing in an Olympic sport. Every one who does so earns the right to celebrate the achievement.
However, there is such a thing as celebrating too hard. Just ask French swimmer Rafael Fente-Damers.
The 17-year-old was rightfully ecstatic when he emerged from the waters at the Olympic swimming trials and saw he finished in second place. What happened next, though, may put his status for the 2024 Games in question.
MORE: USA Olympic swimming trials live results, winners
Here is more to know about Fente-Damers' freak injury and status for the Paris Olympics.
Rafael Fente-Damers injury update
Fente-Damers competed in the 100m freestyle qualifying race for France's national swimming team. The teenager was racing in hopes of representing his country for the first time at the Olympic Games.
He secured his spot on the team by finishing second in the final, trailing behind only Maxime Grousset. Fente-Damers, who completed the freestyle final in 48.14 seconds, was all smiles as he emerged from under the water, and rightfully went into celebration mode.
Fente-Damers smacked down on the water with his hand, a common motion for swimmers to make when in the pool, and immediately winced in pain. He pointed at his shoulder, and it was reported by the French outlet L'Equipe that the teenager dislocated his shoulder.
Hello @FFLose ! Rafael Fente-Damers 🏊♂️, pépite de 18 ans, a composté son billet pour le 100 mètres nage libre aux JO (48"14 !), et par la même occasion... s'est déboité l'épaule. Oui oui. pic.twitter.com/Ux1feNMx51
— Ronan Caroff (@CaroffRonan) June 18, 2024
Grousset reportedly helped his countryman out of the water and flagged down medical staff for further evaluation, according to Reuters.
Will Rafael Fente-Damers compete at 2024 Paris Olympics?
Since he was the second swimmer to finish in his respective race, he earned a spot on France's swimming team. However, it is unclear whether the dislocated shoulder will affect Fente-Damers' availability for Paris, with the Games starting in just over a month.
"I hope it goes well for him because we’re waiting for him for the relay," Grousset said. "He’s a bit crazy, that’s why he’s good. He’s not afraid of anything and I think he’s going to progress."
The Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics is set for Friday, July 26. The men's swimming competition kicks off the next day, Saturday, July 27.
