A Moldovan Olympic judo star dislocated his shoulder on Monday (July 29) while celebrating winning a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics.
Adil Osmanov was celebrating his win over Italy’s Manuel Lombardo in the small final of the 73 kg weight class.
Upon winning the contest, the 24-year-old made a fist pump and overextended his arm, causing his shoulder to dislocate before letting out a cry.
Once Osmanov recovered, he collected his bronze medal on the podium alongside champion Hidayat Heydarov and silver medallist Joan-Benjamin Gaba, who beat Osmanov in the semi-final.
Osmanov revealed afterwards that he had been suffering from illness before the match. He had reportedly been advised to have surgery on his shoulder before the Olympics.
"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." he said earlier this week.
Osmanov’s fellow Moldovan Denis Vieru also judo bronze on Sunday (July 28) by beating Frenchman Walide Khyar in the 66kg category.
The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said: "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."
Meanwhile, the speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, said: "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."
