Australian speed skater Daniel Greig falls out of 500m race

During Day 3's first race of two 500 metre sprints, 22 year old Australian speed skater Daniel Greig fell after catching his skates on the ice metres away from the starting line.

Australian speed skater Daniel Greig falls while competing during the men's 500 metre race (Getty).

This is his first time competing in the Olympic Games and his first event - expected to be his best.

Dutch skater Michael Mulder, who trains with Greig, went on to win gold in the event.

There were high hopes for Greig ahead of the Winter Games after he finished third in the World Sprint Championships this year in Japan. This made him the first Australian to win a medal during an international long track speed skating competition.

This will not be Greig's last chance to reach the podium. He will be competing in the 1000 metre race on Wednesday evening (overnight in Australia).