BBC cut away and Olympics chiefs put SCREEN up after weightlifting star’s injury trying to lift nearly 200KG
WEIGHTLIFTING star Romain Imadouchene received medical attention after his legs buckled as he tried to lift 195kg.
The Frenchman, 28, was seen to behind a sheet, which was raised for privacy – but went on to heroically return and succeed on his second attempt.
Imadouchene was competing in the men’s 86kg final.
During his first attempt he managed to lift the 195kg weight to his shoulders, but immediately lost his balance.
With his knees appearing to buckle, Imadouchene writhed in pain.
The BBC‘s coverage quickly switched to show members of the crowd, while a sheet was raised in front of the French athlete.
They did then show a slow-motion replay of what happened, with the agony on Imadouchene’s face clear for all to see.
Thankfully, he was able to limp away from the scene.
Venezuelan athlete Keydomar Vallenilla Sanchez then took his second attempt, having successfully lifted 190kg during his first.
The 24-year-old was subsequently able to lift 196kg in his second go, although wore a pained expression when it was done.
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Imadouchene then had the crowd in raptures as he made a heroic return, pumping himself up by slapping his own face and yelling.
He took a deep breath as he chalked his hands, preparing to lift 196kg – more than he’d failed to lift in his first attempt.
This time, however, he was successful – thrilling his home crowd with his magnificent effort.
Unfortunately, Imadouchene’s heroics did not put him in medal contention.
He went on to finish ninth in the 12-man event.
Bulgaria’s Karlos Nasar won gold, setting a new world record of 404kg in the process.
Colombian Yeison Lopez earned silver, with Antonino Pizzolato bringing home bronze for team Italy.