Hong Kong’s Jason Ng did not finish the triathlon race which took place under the blazing Paris heat, ending his maiden Olympic journey.

Ng completed the 1,500-metre swim in 24 minutes and 6 seconds, with a transition time of 51 seconds before starting the 40-kilometre bike ride.

He did not finish the course and was eliminated before putting on his running shoes.

Speaking to reporters, Ng said his performance suit's zipper was pulled off during the triathlon competition.

"In the midst of the competition, my trisuit was grabbed by someone and the zipper in the back was pulled off," Ng said.

"Water kept going into my suit, and it became like a parachute. The entire suit kept pulling me backwards, and it didn't help with the water resistance."

Britain's Alex Yee pipped New Zealand's Hayden Wilde for an amazing victory in the event. The Tokyo silver medallist showed his pacing mastery of the 10-km run, passing a flagging Wilde with less than 400 metres to go in blazing sunshine and 30 degree Celsius heat.

The race had been postponed for a day due to the poor water quality of the Seine River.

Michel, a Mexican living in Paris who watched the race along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, said it was worth the wait.

“I’m assuming that the people were testing the levels of bacteria. I had heard all of the things they needed to do properly so I’m glad that they did wait and it was well worth the wait. Honestly it was a great race,” he said.

Kristen, a spectator from New Jersey, said she enjoyed watching the race but not the idea of swimming in the Seine.

“I'm glad that the sun was better for them today. I still think it's gross that they had to swim in that [river],” she said.

Meanwhile, France's Cassandre Beaugrand won a historic gold in a thrilling women's individual triathlon.

Switzerland's Julie Derron dug deep to win silver, while Great Britain's Beth Potter took bronze.
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Last updated: 2024-07-31 HKT 23:30