As the whistle blew, the boy immediately stopped, gasping for breath, and almost collapsed when he saw the number.
Forty push-ups in one minute would mean passing, yet he had only managed 39.
Even though he was just one short, he couldn't advance to the final round and had to settle for a consolation prize.
This felt even worse than those who could only do a dozen or so before giving up.
His girlfriend was quite disheartened when she saw this, but knowing her boyfriend did his best, she took the consolation prize and they both left.
Many people around them felt pity for the outcome.
"I'm not exaggerating, but the standard for these push-ups is too high. I've never done 40 standard push-ups in one minute in my life."
Another person patted his beer belly, "I've done it before, but that was back in high school. Now, I can't even manage ten."
"Didn't expect this event to be so tough. Look, three groups have gone up tonight and not a single couple has made it to the final round."