Moment jobsworth Olympics 2024 official shows red flag to gold medallist while she is overcome with emotion

HARUKA KITAGUCHI won Olympic javelin gold – but was shown a red flag by a jobsworth official.

The Japanese thrower came into the 2024 Paris Games as a world champion.

Haruka Kitaguchi was shown a red flag after winning Olympic gold

And she added Olympic gold to her increasingly impressive collection with a sensational throw of 65.80 metres.

Heading into her last throw, already Kitaguchi had secured gold by outthrowing South Africa’s Jo-Ane van Dyk and Czech Nikola Ogrodníkova.

Kitaguchi stepped up – already as the winner – and walked past the line in a sign of pure emotion.

But rules are rules and the no-nonsense official glared at Kitaguchi and gave her a red flag.

Kitaguchi finished in 12th place three years ago in Tokyo and thanked her team for her heroics in the French capital.

She said:“I cannot believe this. This wasn’t easy for me.

“Before, I couldn’t train well, but my physio and my team believed in me. Without their help, I cannot get gold today.

“Actually, my training throw wasn’t good. It was too much. But this time, I can throw 65.80m, so for me, really good.”

Silver medalist Van Dyk said: “On the day, anything can happen. It’s anybody’s game. I feel like this Olympics has been one for the underdogs.

“I was like, okay, third round, I have to produce something big. Being in the top eight is going to be difficult.

“I was just trying to get into the top eight and pushing for top three. Luckily the third throw got me in there and it stayed there.”