French gymnast suffers gruesome leg break during Olympic competition

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A French gymnast competing in the Summer Olympics broke his leg so severely during competition Saturday that the crack of his bones could be heard throughout the stadium.

Adding to the horror, medical personnel apparently lost control of the stretcher as they attempted to load him in to an ambulance, sending it crashing to the floor.

Observers gasped when Samir Ait Said's leg snapped as he made his vault landing, USA Today reported.

Said's foot and lower leg dangled unnaturally in the wrong direction as he clutched his knee. He suffered both a broken tibia and fibia.

Medical personnel rushed to the platform to tend to the injury, moving him to prevent any further damage. As they moved him on a stretcher, it appeared as if they lost control, dropping the stretcher before loading him in to an ambulance.

The 26-year-old was performing in the men's qualification event in the Rio Olympic Arena when the injury occurred, leaving him in agonizing pain, Stuff reported. He was on the floor for several minutes before being removed.

The French men's gymnastics team had to continue to perform, but came in last in the qualifying round of 12 teams. Only the top eight teams move to the finals, scheduled for Monday.

"It was very difficult, very emotional," French teammate Cyril Tommasone said. "It's very hard for the French and for him. Very difficult."

The French team reported on Twitter that Said underwent surgery and was doing well.

Said dealt with a similar injury during the European championships in 2012, causing him to miss the London Olympics four years ago. That injury, also sustained as he performed a vault, was to his right leg.