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French Gymnast Samir Ait Said Breaks Leg in Horrifying Olympics 2016 Accident

Samir Ait Said
Gymnast Samir Ait Said of France is seen on a stretcher after breaking his leg while performing the vault during the Artistic Gymnastics Men's Qualification round at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Tim Clayton/Getty Images

Ouch! French gymnast Samir Aït Saïd snapped and broke his leg during a horrifying accident at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, August 6.

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The 26-year-old athlete’s left leg snapped as he attempted to complete his vault landing during the second subdivision of the men’s qualifying events. According to multiple reports, the crack was heard throughout the arena.

As Aït Saïd rolled over on the ground, he grabbed his leg in pain as the lower portion of his shin dangled in the opposite direction of the rest of his leg. (Video and pics of the injury can be found online but are stomach-churning and heartbreaking.)

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Moments later, the gymnast was removed from the arena on a stretcher. Although he didn’t scream or cry, he was visibly in agony as he raised an arm to thank the crowd for their standing ovation.

According to USA Today, Aït Saïd was immediately transported to a local hospital.

Related: Here's Everything That Happened at the Rio Olympics 2016 Opening Ceremony

“It’s very difficult, very emotional,” French teammate Cyril Tommasone told the news outlet on Saturday. “It’s very hard for the French and for him. Very difficult. … But we want to finish the competition for him and for us.”

The Olympic Committee later tweeted support for Aït Saïd, writing, “Stay strong @samiraitsaid1. We have you in our thoughts and wish you a speedy recovery. Lots of love from the Rio 2016 team.”

Check out some of the Twitter reactions from sports fans and viewers below.

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