Olympian appears to suffer agonizing injury while celebrating medal win

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By Nasima Khatun

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An Olympian appeared to suffer a brutal injury while celebrating his medal win.

Adil Osmanov shocked audiences after he picked up a gold medal for Moldova, the second for the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, for Judo.

Performing in the 73kg weight class, the 24-year-old pulled off a victory against his opponent Manual Lombardo, who was representing Italy in the sport, to clinch the bronze medal.

His victory came shortly after his teammate, Denis Vieru, also won bronze in the Judo but for the 66kg weight class.

GettyImages-2164235024.jpgAdil Osmanov (Blue) of Team Republic of Moldova reacts against Manuel Lombardo (White) of Team Italy during the Judo Men's match. Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty

However, while celebrating his victory, Osmanov appeared to injure himself.

The athlete fell down to his knees and let out a loud roar as he soaked in all the glory. He then turned to the crowd and started pumping his fist, though this move led to him overextending his arm and injuring it in the process.

GettyImages-2164235710.jpgOsmanov won against Lombardo to claim the bronze. Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty

Videos of the incident were posted online where fans collectively agreed that the move looked like it hurt.

"Ouch," wrote one user on TikTok, while another added that they hoped the extension wasn't "serious."


As per the Metro, it was revealed that the Moldovan had actually been advised to have surgery on his shoulder ahead of the Paris Olympics and had been suffering from illness ahead of the match.

"Yes, it was very difficult. And during the warm-up I felt bad, but I’ve had that before – and that’s when I got a medal," Osmanov said. "I had no options to back down."

GettyImages-2164246647.jpgOsmanov dedicated his win to his late father. Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty

Thankfully the star is doing okay and recovered in time to collect his bronze medal alongside the rest of the winners including gold medallist Hidayat Heydarov and Joan-Benjamin Gaba, who won the silver medal.

He dedicated his medal to his late father stating: "He dreamed of reaching the Olympics himself.

"He did not succeed due to financial impossibility. He dreamed that one of his children would reach the Olympics and get a medal," he said, as per the outlet.

GettyImages-2164246514.jpgGold medalist, Hidayat Heydarov of Team Azerbaijan (2L), Silver medalist, Joan-Benjamin Gaba of Team France (L), Bronze medalist A, Adil Osmanov of Team Republic of Moldova (2R) and Bronze Medalist B, Soichi Hashimoto of Team Japan (R) pose for a photo with their medal's during the Judo Men’s -73 kg medal ceremony. Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty

This is a history-making moment for Moldova, and two new medals takes their total historical count for the country up to eight.

The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, took to Twitter to celebrate the victory writing: "Adil Osmanov brings the second bronze medal for Moldova! Congratulations, Adil! You debuted courageously, fought with passion, and were fully rewarded.

"Excellent job done by the team of trainers and all those who backed you," Sandu added.


The speaker of the Moldovan parliament, Igor Grosu, also chimed in writing: "Our sportspeople in judo show extraordinary performances at the Paris Olympic Games! The second bronze medal for Moldova, at judo!

"Excellent, Adil Osmanov! Your work and perseverance brought us pride and happiness! Come on, Moldova," he added.

Congratulations to Adil and all the other winners at the event.

Featured Image Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty