Russian powerlifter snaps leg during competition in gruesome viral footage

A 20-year-old powerlifter sustained a horrific leg injury Sunday while competing in the World Raw Powerlifting Eurasian Championship in Khabarovsk, Russia.

Yaroslav Radashkevich, who hails from the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk, was attempting to squat a starting weight of 250kg (about 550lbs) when his left leg began to buckle underneath him, causing him to collapse.

The victim was rushed into a hospital in Khabarovsk where he was diagnosed with a serious compound fracture to his right tibia, the Daily Mail reports.

WARNING: The following video contains graphic material:

Radashkevich told Russian outlet Amur.Info that he began experiencing minor ankle pain while training about two weeks before the competition but did not think it would prove to be an issue.

"I thought that it was just pulled, so I did not pay attention," he said. "I just had painkillers, trained, prepared. I was also advised it would pass by itself, heal."

Unfortunately, the young athlete believes the horrible injury will likely put an end to his powerlifting career.

“I can hardly return to this sport following such an injury," he told Amur. "I had achieved a lot but I will have to quit my hopes and ambitions as rehabilitation will approximately take six months."

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