Rio 2016: Russian diver scores zero points after 'calamitous' attempt sees her land on her back

Nadezhda Bazhina slipped on the diving board attempting a three-and-a half somersault

Bazhina appeared to lose her footing as she leapt from the board before back-flopping into the pool (AP)

A Russian diver scored zero points after slipping on the diving board and performing a back flop into the pool.

Nadezhda Bazhina, who has won multiple gold medals at several European championships, was awarded zero points by the judges after attempting a three-and-a-half somersault – but ended up landing on her back.

The athlete, 28, appeared to lose her footing as she leapt from the board. She managed to complete several flips as she fell but failed to achieve a successful finish.

After the dive Bazhina's coach could be seen with his head in his hands.

The athlete was visibly frustrated with her performance, covering her face with a towel and diverting away from the cameras.

Meanwhile the faulty dive provoked much reaction on social media, with viewers describing it as "calamitous".

It ended Bazhina's hopes of making the semi-final of the event, despite four good dives beforehand.

Previous diving calamities have included Germany's Stephen Feck, who spun out of control and landed in the water flat on his back in the London 2012 Games.