Penalty costs Canada's mixed short track relay team an Olympic medal

Canada was left out of the medals after a thrilling final in the short-track speed skating mixed team relay on Saturday over a push from behind that sent both the Canadian and Hungarian skaters sliding into the boards.

China, tops in the world rankings, won the first-ever gold medal in the event, which made its Olympic debut at Beijing 2022. The gold is also the host country's first of these Games.

Italy took the silver medal despite a late charge and close finish, while Hungary, after review, was awarded the bronze.

Canada, which came into the Olympics ranked fifth in the world in the event, officially finished sixth after being penalized for the crash. The team qualified for the final at Capital Indoor Stadium after finishing second in its quarter-final race and edging out Italy to win the semifinal.

The Canadians were in an excellent position to win a medal, with the Koreans — the world-record holders in the event — not making it out of the quarter-finals, and the powerhouse Dutch team crashing out of their semifinal.

WATCH | Canada misses podium after penalty in short track mixed final:

The final got off to an ominous start when Canada's first skater, Florence Brunelle, collided with the Italian skater and the officials called for a restart.

Italy jumped out to the lead in what was a thrilling race, with each country jostling for medal positions. 

More than halfway through the race, Brunelle and Hungary's Petra Jaszapati collided, with both sliding off the course. Both teams recovered to finish the race, but after review, Canada received a penalty for a push from behind.

WATCH | Canadians 'disappointed' after penalty in short track mixed relay final:

While each team is made up of six skaters, only four take the ice