There won’t be any medals for Canada’s opening ceremony flag bearer this year as national triathlon star Simon Whitfield crashed in the finals this morning and couldn’t finish the race due to what’s believed to be a shin injury.

The result is surely disappointing for Whitfield and Canadian fans as he appeared to be in good position to make a medal push after the swim portion of the race. Whitfield left the water in 22nd position and was within striking distance of the leaders when you consider how long they had to go.

For a visual of how heartbreaking this is, here’s a picture of Whitfield’s wife and daughter Pippa reacting to the news.

Certainly a disappointing way to end Whitfield’s distinguished career in competition. Two Olympic medals in four tries and a flag bearer credit to his name. Not to mention the first gold in the history of Olympic triathlon. Quite frankly, had he won a medal we’d have to throw him in jail for murdering trees to print his résumé.

There were two other Canadians in the race but neither finished in the top 20. Kyle Jones of Hamilton, Ont., finished 25th overall, just ahead of Brent McMahon of Kelowna, B.C., who finished 27th.