Cross country champion hilariously face plants across finish line

A cross country runner was left blushing after an attempt at an audacious finish went spectacularly wrong and left him face down in the mud.

Jimmmy Gressier defended his European U23 cross country title in a time of 23:37, eight seconds ahead of Samuel Fitwi but it was the Frenchman’s celebration which had everyone talking.

READ MORE: Drogba claims key role in Chelsea’s £32m capture of Kante

READ MORE: Deeney jokes that he’ll have to ‘smash’ Richarlison

Grabbing two French flags from spectators along the course, he launched himself forward in an attempt to knee slide over the finish line.

But Gressier’s knees got caught in the mud just in front the line before the two-time champion face planted into the mud, taking the ribbon with him.

To his credit, he took the mishap with a smile.

Speaking after his victory, Gressier, 21, said: “I am just very happy to win for the second time. The conditions were difficult but the course was still really nice despite the weather.”