Team GB athlete breaks down in tears after ‘harsh’ question from reporter right after being disqualified from Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics have been full of highs and lows, each to an extreme - and fans have reacted to one athlete breaking down in tears following their loss.

Judo star Emma Reid, of Team GB, had her Olympic dreams flattened when she lost out in the first round to South Korea's Yoon Hyun-ji.

She was disqualified after receiving three penalties.

Reid was interviewed by BBC reporters following her loss, who asked her why Team GB judo players have 'under-performed' in Paris.

She responded: "I think we had a really good preparation.

"We were at home, we went away for a camp. I just think it's tough - especially when a few of us, it's our first Games.

"We're not seeded so you can get anyone first fight.

Emma Reid was disqualified. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

"I've beaten [Yoon] before so it's frustrating that I could have got to the next round but I think we all felt good going into it.

"Sometimes it doesn't happen on the day."

The interviewer then asked for Reid's plans following being knocked out of the competition.

She said: "I'll reflect on the competition... I'm just upset I couldn't make a better day of it.

"But rest and decompress from everything. It's been a tough three years, four years of my life really.

"I'm just proud of myself for getting to this point..."

She then broke down in tears, wiping away tears in front of the camera.

The interview reduced Reid to tears. (BBCSport)

Trying to keep the interview going despite the emotion, Reid added: "I'm just going to rest up and go again."

The reporter then made an attempt to make her feel better, adding: "You're an Olympian, no one can take that away from you."

But it seems it's not enough for many viewers, who have expressed disappointment on social media.

One person fumed: "I am pretty appalled by the @BBC interview of Emma Reid @BritishJudo. The quite obvious subtext of 'Why were you so rubbish…' was simply unkind journalism and resulted in a talented and dedicated sportswoman being left in tears. @BBCSport should deliver an individual apology."

South Korea's Yoon Hyun-ji took the win. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Another said: "@BBCSport journalist to Emma Reid who has just been disqualified in her first round Judo match - ‘why do you think we have underperformed so much in judo this Olympics?’. Cue Emma Reid in tears 30 seconds later. Well done @BBCSport."

Reid isn't the only Olympian to have been brought to tears.

American tennis player Coco Gauff came to blows with the umpire and broke down in tears during her match on 30 July.

Initially, a line judge called Vekic’s shot out - meaning that Gauff did not keep the ball in play, and may have contributed to her loss.

She said: "I never argue these calls. But he called it out before I hit the ball.

“It’s not even a perception; it’s the rules. I always have to advocate for myself.”