By AD Jewell
Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (August 7, 2016) For the second time in four years, French gymnast Samir Ait Said's Olympic dreams came to a crash landing while vaulting. While attempting a double somersault off the vault at the Rio Olympic Arena on Saturday, August 6, 2016, Said landed forcefully on his right knee causing the tibia and fibuia bones in his calf to snap. Spectators and commentators have reported being able to hear the snap throughout the arena, while ultimately the world was watching and saw one of the most gruesome injuries in the sport on live television.
Said laid silently in pain, covering his face, while his right leg dangled awkwardly. His coaches and teammates also covering their faces after seeing the 26-year-old's injury. Said is said to be "the friendliest teammate" by his fellow French gymnasts and his injury is a great loss to the whole team.
Unfortunately, Said has been in this spot before. While preparing for the 2012 Olympics in London at the Men's European Championship in Montpellier, France, Said broke his left leg on a similar vault, ending that Olympic run.
In a Facebook video posted by Said from his hospital bed, he vows to be back in the stands cheering on his teammates shortly while sporting a blue and red cast! In his video, Said is grateful for all the support fans and teammates are giving him and vows to win gold in Tokyo 2020.
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