[GMeyer]

There's another possible reason I can think of: Karthik may be terrified because he thinks everyone else will be able to go under the low bar. But he has not planned for this, so he's concerned he'll be at a disadvantage. A bit like how people get concerned about whether they are underdressed or overdressed before a party.

Although my previous answer is more plausible, I think this one is a possibility as well.