Weightlifter faints and collapses under collossal strain - but picks herself up to win medal

ByEurosport

Updated 15/07/2015 at 10:27 GMT

The Pan-Am Games are taking place in the Canadian metropolis of Toronto at the moment, and given that they're specifically for athletes from the Americas it's no surprise that they've not picked up much coverage on these shores.

That all changes this morning courtesy of Venezuelan weightlifter Genesis Rodriguez Gomez, whose horrifying plight has seen her effort beamed around the world.

Gomez was attempting to lift 106kg in the clean-and-jerk - but as she did so, she literally fainted under the strain, collapsing beneath the weight of the dumbell, and falling to the floor.

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There she lay on the mat, out cold, to the consternation of the crowd.

Remarkably, however, there was a happy ending: somehow Gomez and the weights fell in different directions, leaving her uninjured.

And even more remarkably, she picked herself up, dusted herself off and had another go - successfully lifting not just 106kg, but then 109kg as well and winning herself a silver medal.

We are impressed; Genesis, take a bow. But carefully, please. Nobody wants to see you toppling over again.

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