US runner prematurely celebrates win before crossing finish line, promptly loses

A US college runner has become an internet laughingstock, after costing himself certain victory by celebrating before crossing the finish line.

Oregon University steeplechaser Tanguy Pepiot looked to have won the Pepsi Team Invitational men’s race when he began waving to fans in the grandstand as he coasted to the finish line.

There was only one problem – University of Washington runner Meron Simon soon closed the gap and edged Pepiot at the line to claim the win.

Video from the event captured the priceless moment it dawned on Pepiot he had blown the win while watching the stadium big screen.

The shattered runner slumped to the track after realising too late he might have begun his celebrations too early.

A sporting Simon came to his aid, helping his vanquished rival up from the track.

It recalled a famous line credited to legendary American baseball player and coach "Yogi" Berra - “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”