French artistic gymnast Samir Ait Said has tragically broken his leg while performing in the vault at the Rio Olympics.

Samir Ait Said’s left leg folded beneath him as he landed badly during the men’s qualification event.

The 26-year-old, who won gold on the rings at the 2013 European Championships, was taken off on a stretcher and acknowledged the crowd as he departed.

French team leader Corrine Moustard-Callon said: “We don’t know what happened, except it was his tibia.”

She added: “He is in the hospital with a doctor now. We will do more exams to see if it is just the bone.

“It is very difficult for the team. He was one of the friendliest on the team which is very difficult – he came to win a medal and gave everything, 200%.”