Those who watched the World Gymnastics Championships this past week likely noticed a bit of a problem with medal ceremonies. Anthems were cut off, which was quite evident when the U.S. was standing atop the podium.
But when Ukraine’s Oleg Verniaiev stood after receiving his parallel bars gold medal Sunday, he didn’t hear his anthem at all. He heard that of Uzbekistan.
Compare the song in the video above with Ukraine’s anthem, and it is obviously not the same. Then listen to Uzbekistan’s anthem and follow along with the lyrics. The anthem was cut off right before the lyrics hit the country’s name, which would have made the mistake more apparent to those in attendance.
Credit Verniaiev, who took the surprise in stride (minus some eyebrow movement).