Ray reflects on witnessing ‘Eric the Eel’ swim the slowest race in Olympic history
There were some incredible moments at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but none quite as memorable as ‘Eric the Eel’s effort in the 100-metre freestyle.
History was made on September 19 2000, when Eric Moussambani Malonga from Equatorial Guinea swam the slowest 100-metre freestyle race in Olympic history.
Clocking in at 1.52.72 when others qualified at an average of about 48 seconds, spectators were unsure if ‘Eric the Eel’ would even make it across the pool!
19 years ago today.
– Eric Moussambani had never seen an Olympic-sized pool before
– swam the slowest race in Olympic history, but set a personal best and national record
– later became the national swimming coach of Equatorial Guinea“Eric the Eel”
What a moment 🇬🇶 pic.twitter.com/5LZQk9QgYA
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) September 19, 2019
Ray Hadley has come across the audio of his call of the incredible race, which is still etched in the minds of many Australians.
“There’s a swimmer who’s swimming a 100-metre heat who’s in danger of drowning, the poor bloke!” says Ray.
Click PLAY below to hear Ray call the race