A French weightlifter has broken her left arm in two places at the European WeightlightingChampionships.You've probably guessed, but consider this your warning for some very toe-curling images. Thirty-one-year-old Gaelle Nayo Ketchanke was attempting to lift 110kg her career personal best in the women's 76kg category at the event in Batumi, Georgia. She had failed to complete the lift earlier, but on her third attempt, while she managed to get the bar above her head, her left arm buckled and gave way under the immense weight. She had failed to complete the lift earlier, but on her third attempt, while she managed to get the bar above her head, her left arm buckled and gave way under the immense weight.
The French team at the event has since confirmed Nayo Ketchanke's left arm was broken in two places during the incident. According to unconfirmed reports, she also suffered a dislocated elbow. She was rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery. The event was being streamed live by the European Weightlifting Federation, but as Nayo Ketchanke's arm snapped the feed cut to a different camera to focus on her team. However, you could still hear her shrieking in pain in the distance. Amazingly, she still walked away with a bronze medal for her 103kg opener. The weightlifter has since taken to Instagram with an update on what happened, sharing a smiling photo that shows her left arm in a cast. Roughly translated from French, she wrote: "I'm coming out of these European Championships not in the best of ways, with a 107kg wrenching elbow injury after winning the bronze medal at 103kg."I received a lot of support messages that made me feel good and we are waiting for my return to France to do further tests."I want to thank the medical and technical staff of the Federation who responded very quickly and who are by my side. My coaches and my colleagues from the France team. I will come back to you for the news."Fans have wished the 'badass' Nayo Ketchanke a speedy recovery, while also congratulating her on her bronze medal. One commenter on Instagram: "Get well Champ."Another wrote: "A real Warrior!! Beautiful medal and beautiful smile."Someone else said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery. Congratulations on the bronze."A fourth added: "Love your attitude! Stay strong."Get well soon, Gaelle!
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
