Clare Balding couldn't hold back her emotions during BBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics this afternoon as Team GB's curling hopes were dashed in heartbreaking fashion.
The beloved broadcaster, who has been fronting the Beeb's Milano Cortina Games coverage, was visibly moved alongside co-host and curling legend Vicky Wright after watching Bruce Mouat and Grant Hardie fall 9-6 to Canada in the gold medal match.
Her voice cracking with emotion following the British pair's post-match interview, Balding said: "So hard to watch, you can tell how much Grant and Bruce care."
The two hosts shared a poignant silent moment before Balding added: "If you've got a tissue in your hand then use it."
Clare Balding was left fighting back tears after watching Bruce Mouat and Grant Hardie fall 9-6 to Canada in the gold medal match
|BBC
Wright, herself a curling icon, offered some insight into what went wrong for the British duo.
"It's hard because it means to much for them," she explained. "Little things weren't coming off properly."
The defeat was particularly crushing given what was at stake – Mouat and Hardie had been gunning for Britain's first Olympic curling gold in over a century, with the last victory coming way back in 1924.
Canada, who had arrived at the final following a controversial run through the tournament in Italy, proved too strong on the day, leaving Team GB to settle for silver.
The Team GB curling squad were emotional after missing out on gold
|BBC
Speaking to interviewer JJ Chalmers through tears, Mouat was clearly devastated by the outcome.
"I'm a bit in shock," he admitted. "We felt like we were the better team there. I don't know what to say."
Despite the crushing disappointment, the curler found some comfort in the overwhelming backing from supporters.
"Regardless of the result, the incredible thing we will take away is the amount of people who have come out to support us and have messaged us from back home," Mouat said.
"The boys and I love our sport, we want people to come and join our sport."
Canada pipped Britain to gold in the curling final
|REUTERS
Hardie's emotions were equally raw as he reflected on what drove the pair to chase Olympic glory once more.
"[Our friendship] is why we wanted to win it for each other," he said. "The pain from four years ago was that much, we thought we'd give it another go, had the chance, but unfortunately we haven't got there again."
Yet even in defeat, both curlers remained focused on a bigger picture – inspiring the next generation.
Britain finished runners-up again, having taken silver in Beijing four years ago
|REUTERS
Mouat added: "If we can take anything away from this week as well as the silver medal, it's being able to inspire people to hopefully want to participate.
"That is an achievement in itself."