Armenian Weightlifter Suffers Shocking Elbow Injury During Summer Olympics Competition

As has been clear this Olympic season, the competition is fierce and the performances have been intense — but one Armenian weightlifter took it to a whole new level Wednesday night.

Andranik Karapetyan, the reigning European champion in 77 kilogram weightlifting, was in the middle of an event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio when his winning streak came to a quick — and painful — halt.

Andranik Karapetyan of Armenia lifts during the Men's 77kg Group A weightlifting contest on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on August 10, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Karapetyan was setting up for his second attempt at the 195kg weightlifting challenge. He looked poised to succeed, when, almost immediately after lifting the weights, the olympian's elbow popped out under the immense pressure. Naturally, he dropped the weights behind him and hobbled off in tears as medical personnel rushed the stage to assist him.

Andranik Karapetyan of Armenia reacts to an injury during the Men's 77kg Group A weightlifting contest on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on August 10, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Karapetyan's coach, who didn't even want to see the severely dislocated elbow, watched on cautiously as the weightlifter was helped off the platform.

The 20-year-old athlete won the European championships this year and finished third in the world championships last year. Ultimately, though, it was Nijat Rahimov of Kazakhstan who took home the gold in this competition.

Watch the graphic clip below:

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