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29th Jul 2021

Olympic swimmers barely keep it together after Clare Balding compliments ‘third leg’

Charlie Herbert

“Did she really just say that?”

Hindsight’s a fine thing isn’t it. I’m sure if Clare Balding had her time again she may have used a different turn of phrase when interviewing British swimmer Tom Dean and Matthew Richards following their stunning 4×200 meter relay win.

The duo won gold in the event alongside James Guy and Duncan Scott, in a brilliant race. And Balding was particularly full of praise for Richards’ performance.

Speaking to the pair on the BBC, Balding almost had the two swimmers in stitches when she complimented Richards on his ‘phenomenal third leg.’

The broadcasting legend said: “Matt, you’re 18 years old, it’s your first Olympics, and you swam — honestly, your third leg was just phenomenal.”

Of course, she was referring to the Richards swimming the third section of the race for the British team, but the double entendre was clearly not lost on the pair.

Many couldn’t get enough of the unfortunately phrased question on Twitter either.

One user wrote: “Laughing away at Clare Balding telling the swimmer he has a phenomenal third leg…”

Another said: “When has she seen his ‘phenomenal’ third leg?”

A third added: “Properly enjoyed Tom Dean and Matthew Richards speaking to Clare this evening after that amazing relay final, Matt’s phenomenal third leg and Tom trying not to laugh at words third leg.”

You just can’t beat a good old classic innuendo can you?