Embarrassed runner issued statement after race was ruined when penis fell out

From the source Athlete Alberto Nonino's 400m race was ruined (Image: X/@SanchezdeCastro)

An Italian athlete finished last in his 400-metre race at the World Athletics U20 Championships back in 2022 because of an issue with his penis. Decathlete Alberto Nonino made the ill-advised choice to go commando and was forced to run while his manhood repeatedly slipped out of his baggy shorts.

Nonino started well in the race and overtook two opponents impressively on the final bend. However, on the home straight he visibly decelerated and was captured on camera clutching his groin area up to six times as his rivals surged past him and he concluded at the rear of the field. The then-18-year-old's difficulties in that region were instantly identified as the cause of his downturn.

Get tournament schedules, scores, players updates and majors news plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

Sports journalist David Sanchez de Castro was explicit in his assessment, posting in a tweet accompanying video of Nonino's mortifying moment: "World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. Last series of the 400 meters decathlon. The Italian Alberto Nonino in lane five begins very well but crosses the finishing line last. He had his penis out, literally."

He continued in a subsequent clarification to followers who hadn't immediately understood his point: "Perhaps I've explained myself poorly. His penis escaped out of the side of his shorts and he had to hold it because it wasn't allowing him to run properly which is normal when your dongle is swinging from side to side."

The Spanish-language media were swift to suggest that Nonino's sluggish 51.57-second 400-metre time stemmed from his decision to compete without underwear.

The athlete acknowledged that his wardrobe malfunction was responsible for his underwhelming display in a social media statement after video footage of the incident went viral.

From the source Alberto Nonino's penis kept falling out of his loose-fitting shorts (Image: X/@SanchezdeCastro)

From the source Alberto Nonino needed to adjust his shorts to complete the race (Image: Twitter/@SanchezdeCastro)

He stated in an Instagram story: "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."

Nonino subsequently demonstrated his ability to see the humorous side at the end of the U20 World Championships when he added to his final Instagram post: "I can't wait to do another experience like this and maybe I'll see some more interesting articles on the newspapers."

He accompanied the remark with a laughing face emoji.

Japanese pole vaulter Hiroki Ogita achieved worldwide notoriety at the 2016 Rio Olympics after his penis seemingly dislodged the bar during qualification.

While Australian rugby league player Billy Burns inadvertently exposed his private parts during a July 2020 fixture.

Viewers jokingly suggested he ought to be awarded the 'tackle of the week' accolade.

Respected Spanish publication La Razon commented on Italian athlete Nonino's mishap in Cali: "This race will at least serve as a lesson for future events. Better to wear pants and use the right shorts for long-distance events."