The broadcast of a swimming race between US Olympian Michael Phelps and a great white shark on the Discovery Channel has come under fire from from viewers on social media.

The show, titled Phelps vs Shark: Great Gold vs Great White, saw the famous swimmer race head-to-head against a shark in South Africa as part of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

The shark ended up beating Phelps in the 100-metre race by two seconds. However, it turned out the predator was computer-generated, and its speed was based of that of his real-life counterparts.

It was this revelation which sparked uproar among viewers, with many voicing their disappointment on social media.

So you mean to tell me Michael Phelps didn’t even race a real shark? It was just a simulation. I’m mad. More like Shark WEAK! pic.twitter.com/gwIGTe7Y9p

— Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) July 24, 2017

I WAS EXPECTING MICHAEL PHELPS TO BE RACING NEXT TO A REAL LIVE WHITE SHARK…IM REALLY UPSET RN @Discovery

— Addie Ramsey (@addiee_ramsey) July 24, 2017

smh Michael Phelps isn’t actually racing a shark. He’s just racing a simulation of a shark. Biggest scam of 2017

— Marcus ¬ (@M_Frosti) July 24, 2017

Don’t say Phelps is racing a shark if you’re not going to put him against an actual shark #PhelpsVsShark #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/qy1mlApUiz

— Breyanna Davis (@breyannachenal) July 24, 2017

When Michael Phelps said he was gonna race a shark this is how I pictured it happening #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/GiEfJssNhL

— Ryan Homler (@RHomler) July 24, 2017

I was really hoping Phelps would be in the same water as the shark #PhelpsVShark

— Tyler Cavalli (@RadioCavalli) July 24, 2017

For the record, Phelps has requested a rematch with the great white.

Rematch? Next time..warmer water. #SW30 @Discovery @SharkWeek

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) July 24, 2017