THE World Athletics Indoor Championships were halted after pole vaulter Margot Chevrier suffered a sickening leg break that left her “bone sticking out”.
French medal hopeful Chevrier was in action in the final in Glasgow.
Attempting her second clearance of the night, at 4.65m, Chevrier failed to get over the bar.
But, rather than falling forwards, the 24-year-old instead plunged back into the box, where her pole is pitched in the run-up.
And Chevrier was left screaming in pain after an awkward landing saw he suffer a suspected compound fracture of the ankle.
Coach Grant Brown said that Chevrier’s “bone was sticking out”.
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As medics rushed over, she was given oxygen before being carried away on a stretcher.
Concerned fans at the Commonwealth Arena applauded as she appeared to gesture a love heart to supporters.
It is understood Chevrier was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
A statement on social media from the French athletics federation said: “Cruel outcome for Margot Chevrier in the pole vault final. She fell into the barrier and, conscious, was evacuated from the track on a stretcher”.
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The action was halted for around 15 minutes as she received urgent treatment on the gruesome injury.
British athlete Molly Caudery won gold in the final once it had resumed.
The Cornish athlete, 23, cleared 4.80 metres – the same height rival Eliza McCartney, but ended up with top spot due to countback rules.
She now heads to the Paris 2024 Olympics with strong hopes of winning a medal.
Ecstatic Caudery, 23, could not hold back the waterworks on two occasions as she claimed a maiden global gold by clearing 4.80 metres.
Though New Zealand training partner Eliza McCartney leapt over the same height, Caudery got the crown on countback.
The world leader was also in tears after witnessing the sickening injury for Chevrier.
Caudery said: “That was a real tough time. It made it difficult for everyone. Pole vault is such an emotional journey.
“I feel people’s emotions quite a lot. Margot did her ankle. After her jump, I was crying to my coach, I felt so bad for her.
“I had to regroup after that and execute my jumps. I’m very proud of myself.
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“It was an absolutely crazy competition. It’s an indescribable feeling.
“Especially in front of a home crowd because you know you’ve the whole nation behind you. You’re sharing that with them and they’re proud as you. It’s the best feeling.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
