Polish athlete Ewa Swoboda took the internet by storm this weekend after her strange salute during the 100m race at the Paris Olympics.
The video of her waving with one hand, then apologizing to the camera and waving with the other hand, has been viewed millions of times on social media.
Surprised people ask what happened, as many of them do not understand the meaning of the gesture.
At first I didn't understand and at the end I didn't either. ????
— Figen (@TheFigen_) August 3, 2024
What happened there? pic.twitter.com/SPZYmvBPps
But apparently there is already an explanation.
Ewa raised her hand in greeting from her right arm, placing it next to her head. This is actually a salute reserved only for the military, while civilians may salute with their left arm.
Apparently, the athlete realized this mistake and decided to correct it immediately.