It was the moment it all went awry for Jess Fox.
The country collectively gasped as the two-time Olympic medallist once again missed out on gold, thanks to a handful of blunders in the kayak slalom final.
The NSW paddler dared to dream as she steamed ahead in several stages with a magnificent run.
But a couple of costly errors saw her clip two barriers, putting her back four seconds to send her tumbling back to third place overall with a respectable bronze medal.
The four seconds were the crucial difference between gold and bronze, leaving German Ricarda Funk to snag first place and Spaniard Maialen Chourraut to claim second.
Camera IconCostly errors: Jessica Fox realises she’s missed out on gold. Credit: Channel 7/Channel 7
And, while undoubtedly making her country proud, the 27-year-old was visibly heartbroken as she realised the weight of her mishaps, having to settle for a bronze medal again.
Fox appeared dejected and put her hands to her face as she realised that gold had once again escaped her.
She was seen putting her head in her hands as the German team celebrated.
It is the star kayaker’s third Games having won silver and bronze at the London and Rio Games in 2012 and 2016.
Fox will have another crack at gold in the women's canoeing slalom C-1 event, having pushed hard behind the scenes to ensure an equal amount of Olympic events for men and women.