Meet Max Litchfield, the 'unluckiest swimmer ever' in Olympic history

Max Litchfield, 29, has been dubbed the “unluckiest swimmer ever” following yet another heartbreaking fourth-placed finish in the 400 metre individual medley at Paris 2024.

Litchfield finished fourth in a race dominated by Frenchman Leon Marchand, bouyed by ferocious home support. Second placed Tomoyuki Matsushita from Japan finished five-seconds behind, with American Carson Foster claiming bronze, per The Sun.

Litchfield broke the British record in the event during the final, taking some solace in his achievements, telling BBC Sport after the race, “I don't really know what to say. It's my best time, it's still a British record.”

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Following the BBC reporter calling Litchfield the, “unluckiest swimmer ever”, the Sheffield-born swimmer responded, “It's hard, it's so bitter sweet because of that but I've given it my everything physically, mentally, emotionally, it's just not meant to be again.”

Trying to put his own achievements in context, Litchfield continued, “you know, I've come fourth at three Olympics on the trot, there's not many people that can say they've done that. It's just tough that it's so close again.”

The Brit let his emotion show as the interview continued, saying, “I gave it my everything so I can't complain. Well I can, I'm upset, but I've done everything I possibly could so it is just sport.”

Litchfield’s career is littered with silver and bronze medals, having finished in second place in the 400m IM at last year’s World Championships and previously claiming both second and third at European championships, per Sun Sport.

Litchfield’s qualifying performances were exceptional, placing himself next to the favourite, and home-nation hero, Marchand. The Briton told Team GB, “The atmosphere is nice, I pretended they were cheering for me. I could hear them during that breaststroke leg.”

Despite his best efforts, and those of the crowd, Litchfield couldn’t quite drag himself over the line into a medal positions.

Given his incredible efforts, and little reward, in various Olympic pools over the years, is it fair to call Max Litchfield the “unluckiest swimmer ever”, or is there someone we haven’t thought of? Let us know in the comments!

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