Polish swimmer claims he was scratched from event over a clerical error

Out of respect for the good people of Poland, please refrain from any Polish jokes at this time.

Instead, focus on the serious business that is the plight of Polish swimmer Konrad Czerniak, who was scratched from Wednesday’s 100-meter freestyle competition at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics due to what he described in a social media post as a clerical error by his country’s swimming federation.

“I have been training swimming for 20 years, I represent Poland and I have dedicated almost all of my life to compete with the best,” Czerniak wrote on Facebook. “My chance of taking part in the Olympics was snatched away from me due to an ‘oversight’, a ‘mistake’ by the Polish Swimming Federation.”

Czerniak said his sister broke the news to him shortly before his scheduled 100-meter freestyle heat on Wednesday. “She knocked me off my feet,” he wrote. “I don’t want anybody to go through that situation, and I hope it never happens again.” He was still unclear of the exact nature of the error.

A three-time world champion in butterfly events from 50-100 meters, the 27-year-old swimmer is still scheduled to swim in his 100-meter butterfly heat on Thursday in Rio, so hopefully he still gets his shot at an Olympic medal, because it sure would be a shame if he missed out over more paperwork.

Again, as a public service announcement, we remind you to silence your Polish jokes at this time.