As Aussie Jessica Gallagher and pilot Caitlin Ward stepped onto the podium to collect their gold medals in the women’s Tandem B sprint at the Lee Valley Velodrome, they were oblivious to the story unfolding behind them.
England’s Para-cyclist Sophie Unwin appeared to have won bronze, only to be denied a spot on the podium because of a technicality.
Unwin and her pilot Georgia Holt broke down in tears after trying to join the medal presentation ceremony.
As the Australian pair stood on top, Unwin and her pilot were seen standing in the background as the medals were handed out, before being moved on by security.
Even though she finished third, the England rider missed out on the bronze medal because there were only four competitors in the event, meaning only the gold and silver medals were awarded.
Despite this, the big screen at the track showed Unwin had won the bronze and it was only later that she was informed about the technicality which cost her a medal.
Unwin was even being congratulated as she held her post-race interviews before she left for the medal ceremony where she found out her fortunes had changed, leaving her in tears.
In a mock ceremony some time later, the rider and her pilot returned to the arena and were seen stepping onto the podium by themselves with bronze medals reportedly borrowed from the English women’s pursuit squad, provoking a loud round of applause.
It’s understood the English team has lobbied the Commonwealth Games Federation to overturn the decision.
