Italian decathlete Alberto Nonino, then 18, finished last in his 400-metre race at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, after his penis repeatedly slipped out of his baggy shorts. The athlete, who chose not to wear underwear, was forced to adjust his shorts multiple times during the race as rivals overtook him.
Race details and immediate reaction
Nonino started well, overtaking two opponents on the final bend, but visibly decelerated on the home straight. He was captured on camera clutching his groin area up to six times as other runners surged past him, leaving him at the rear of the field. His difficulties were instantly identified as the cause of his downturn.
Sports journalist David Sanchez de Castro posted a tweet accompanying video of the incident, saying: "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."
Athlete's statement and public response
In a subsequent clarification, Sanchez de Castro added: "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."
Spanish-language media suggested Nonino's sluggish 51.57-second 400-metre time stemmed from his decision to compete without underwear. The athlete acknowledged the wardrobe malfunction was responsible for his underwhelming display in a social media statement after video footage went viral.
Nonino's own words and similar incidents
In an Instagram story, Nonino stated: "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."
At the end of the U20 World Championships, Nonino 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," accompanied by a laughing face emoji.
Similar incidents include Japanese pole vaulter Hiroki Ogita at the 2016 Rio Olympics, whose penis seemingly dislodged the bar during qualification, and Australian rugby league player Billy Burns, who inadvertently exposed himself during a July 2020 fixture, prompting viewers to joke he should be awarded the 'tackle of the week' accolade.
Respected Spanish publication La Razon commented on Nonino's mishap: "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."
