Ben Whittaker expresses regret at not wearing Olympic silver medal on the podium: 'I felt like a failure'

"When I look back in a few years, it will probably feel like a great achievement, but I was so upset that I couldn't enjoy it," said Ben Whittaker who was denied a gold medal in the light-heavyweight final

By James Dielhenn, Senior Boxing Journalist @JamesDielhenn

Ben Whittaker was so upset to lose his final he chose not to wear his silver medal on the podium. (Credit: BBC Sport)

Ben Whittaker has spoken of his regret at not wearing his Olympic silver medal on the podium after his devastation at losing in the light-heavyweight final.

Whittaker became one of Team GB's boxers' record six-medal haul on Wednesday morning although he was beaten by Cuba's Arlen Lopez, who became a back-to-back Olympic champion.

Whittaker was visibly upset when his opponent's hand was raised and during the official photographs when the medallists stood on the podium.

Image: Ben Whittaker (L) was visibly upset on the podium

"I was doing it for everybody at home and I felt like a failure," he said.

"At the time, I should have put this beautiful silver medal round my neck and smiled because this is not just for me, it's for the country.

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Image: Whittaker did not wear his medal

"Even when I'm playing FIFA with my mates and I lose, I'm not talking to them for the next couple of hours.

"I wasn't trying to take the shine away from Arlen's moment but it hurt me so deep, and I felt so embarrassed.

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Light-heavyweight silver medallist, Ben Whittaker says his competitive spirit did not allow him to appreciate his achievement on the podium.

"When I look back in a few years, it will probably feel like a great achievement, but I was so upset that I couldn't enjoy it."

Whittaker added he will look back at not wearing his silver medal and think: "What was I doing?"

He insisted he meant no disrespect to his opponent or any other Olympian.

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