In every sports event, injuries and mishaps are inevitable— some treatable, while others would go on to be engraved in history as one of the most gruesome humankind has ever seen.
Here are the worst injuries of all time in the Olympics history, in no particular order:
(Warning: contains graphic images and videos.)
# Janos Baranyai Dislocates His Elbow | 2008 Beijing Olympics
In one of the most gruesome weightlifting injuries to ever happen in the Olympics, Hungarian weightlifter Janos Baranyai was ready to lift 148 kilograms in the men's 77-kilogram division when his right elbow popped out of its socket halfway through his routine, tearing his ligaments and muscle.
# Sa Jae-Hyouk's Brutal Elbow Injury | 2012 London Olympics
Another horrific weightlifting injury that made history, South Korean weightlifter Sa Jae-Hyouk tragically dislocated his elbow in an attempt to lift 162k, resulting in a pretty gruesome image of twisted limb we've ever seen.
# Samir Ait Said's Leg Injury | 2016 Rio Olympics
If you're even the tiniest bit of squeamish, skip this one.
France's gymnast Samir Ait Said suffered an unimaginably painful leg injury when he fractured his tibia after a failed landing.
# Annemiek Van Vleuten Breaks Her Spine | 2016 Rio Olympics
Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten faced a horrible injury after flipping over a few times during the Olympics cycling tournament, resulting in a concussion and three fractures to her spine.
# Adrienne Nyeste's Miscalculation Leads To A Nasty Fall | 2000 Sydney Olympics
Hungarian gymnast Adrienne Nyeste almost gave everyone a heart attack after she was left unconscious for a few seconds after suffering from a fall during her uneven bars routine. Luckily, she woke up shortly after, however people have criticised the coach's reckless gesture in lifting her neck while unconscious, saying it could've left her paralyzed.
# Kerri Strug's Ankle Injury | 1996 Atlanta Olympics
Compared to the other accidents mentioned on this list, a sprained ankle would seem to dim in comparison, but the story behind Kerri Strug's Injury could leave you speechless.
Kerri Strug braved through her ankle injury to attempt a gold, and although she did win, it was a display of gruesome training and senseless pressure by her coach— all for one gold medal; that makes this a bit harrowing to think about.
# Greg Louganis Suffers A Concussion | 1988 Seoul Olympics
American diver Greg Louganis slammed his head on the back of the board while on his ninth dive of the preliminary round of the three-meter springboard competition and needed stitches badly. However, he went on to finish his last two dives before he allowed himself to get treated. Good thing he won that day.
#Knud Jensen's Tragic Death | 1960 Rome Olympics
This is probably one of the most gruesome injuries in the history of the Olympics, considering it resulted in the death of Knud Jensen, a Danish cyclist. During the competition, he unfortunately collapsed due to the heatwave and fractured his skull, which resulted in irreparable brain damage. He died on the same day.
Let's hope there will be fewer injuries this time around in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
