A video of the incident has since gone viral, of course.
“World Athletics U-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. Last series of the 400m decathlon. Italy’s Alberto Nonino starts in the lane The very fifth. Ok, but he finally crossed the finish line. He literally came off the end of it.” Spanish-speaking press claimed the wardrobe malfunction happened because of Nonino’s decision to go commando for the race.
And here’s the viral video that has made rounds on social media sites:
Mundial de atletismo sub20, Cali (Colombia). Última serie de los 400 metros del decatlón.
El italiano Alberto Nonino (18 años), por la calle cinco, empieza muy bien pero acaba entrando último.
Iba con la minga fuera. Literalmente #WorldAthleticsU20 pic.twitter.com/u3Jx8yLaz0
— David Sánchez de Castro (@SanchezdeCastro) August 3, 2022
Nonino was quick to address the incident on his Instagram story, saying:
“I just want to talk to you a little bit about the rumpus there’s been on blogs and social media in general. I’m conscious it was obviously an accident and I’d like to tell you I’m aware of the reaction and you don’t need to send me the links to the blogs out there.”
“I’m trying to laugh about it now but immediately afterwards I felt terrible and I’m thankful to my friends and family for helping me get over what happened a few hours later.”