Wrestler needs to be transported to the stretcher.
A spectacular throw by her opponent ends painfully for Romanian wrestler Catalina Axente. The 28-year-old lands on her neck and has to be carried out of the Parisian Champ-de-Mars Arena on a stretcher. However, her federation reports no serious injury.
Romanian wrestler Catalina Axente injured herself at the Olympic Games in Paris with a spectacular throw from her American opponent Kennedy Blades. The 28-year-old landed heavily on her neck after a powerful move from great height. She immediately grabbed her neck and remained motionless. Blades herself looked shocked and leaned down towards her.
The Romanian wrestling federation later reported that Axente was not seriously injured. She complained of pain in her right shoulder blade radiating to her neck and will undergo further examination, said president Razvan Pircalabu.
Axente was briefly treated by medical staff on the mat, then stabilized on a stretcher and carried out of the hall. Many spectators in the Champ-de-Mars Arena applauded in encouragement. Axente lost her opening match in the 76 kg weight class against Blades.
German wrestler Annika Wendle also suffered a serious knee injury in her lost bronze medal match. The 26-year-old suffered a posterior cruciate ligament tear and a lateral collateral ligament tear, coach Patrick Loes reported. She also had an injury to her calf. Wendle lost her small final in the 53 kg weight class to North Korean Choe Hyo Gyong on Thursday evening and was then taken to the polyclinic in the Olympic Village.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Axente is determined to participate in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, hoping to redeem herself. The organizing committee announced that they are providing her with the necessary support and medical care to help her prepare for the upcoming games.
Regardless of her current injury, Axente's courage and resilience have inspired many wrestlers who are preparing for the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship.
