CHRIS MURRAY appeared to faint during Monday night’s men’s 79kg weightlifting final at the Commonwealth Games.
But the English star recovered well to earn a bronze medal in Glasgow.
Chris Murray appeared to feel discomfort after aborting his second attempt Credit: TNT SPORTS
The TNT Sports coverage reverted to a wide shot Credit: TNT SPORTS
Murray, 27, headed to Scotland hoping to defend his gold from Birmingham four years ago.
He found himself in an uncomfortable position, however, during his second attempt at clearing 174kg.
Sign up for the Sport newsletter
Thank you!
The former champion dropped the weight as he aborted his attempt mid-way through.
He then lost balance and leaned on the weight as he tried to prevent himself from falling to the floor.
‘NEXT LEVEL’
Goodburn is Commonwealth hero battling cancer while aiming to beat Peatty
COMMON GOAL
Ramsay-Peaty picks up 2nd Commonwealth bronze as pregnant wife Holly watches
Event staff responded brilliantly to the situation, immediately rushing to assist Murray.
A group of staff members formed a human shield around him, while also raising a sheet to protect his privacy.
The TNT Sports commentator immediately explained that he was “OK”, and that he just needed some oxygen to be brought in.
They then added: “Not what we want to see, but he’s absolutely fine. Nothing to worry about, just a bit of oxygen to the brain.
Murray was attempting to defend his gold medal from four years ago Credit: PA
The English star came in third despite his scare Credit: PA
“If he’s got any sense he’ll stay down for a moment, a few extra seconds before going off. Any extra seconds he can get now to recover will be beneficial.”
Nonetheless, the TNT Sports broadcast did move to a wide shot so as to avoid showing any potential distress up close.
The crowd applauded Murray and cheered as he made his way off.
And two minutes later he could be seen drinking water with his team backstage.
Around five minutes after the initial incident, brave Murray returned to attempt to clear 177kg – three kilos more than he’d failed to clear in his second effort.
This time he succeeded, however, passionately celebrating as he momentarily took the lead.
Although as he returned backstage, he grabbed at his shoulder in apparent discomfort.
Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad went on to overtake Murray to claim gold, with Valluri Ajaya Babu of India also doing so to finish with silver.
Murray was upbeat after his heroic bronze medal effort.
He said: “I’m walking away pain free, injury free and I’m just looking forward to the next block.”
Murray recovered to clear his third effort Credit: PA
The delighted star poses with his bronze medal Credit: PA
