Beijing champion Steiner out after dropping bar on his shoulder

FORMER Olympic champion Matthias Steiner crashed out of the defence of the over 105kg weightlifting competition on Tuesday after dropping the bar on his shoulder in the snatch.

Attempting 196kg on his second lift, having already been successful with 192kg, he buckled under the weight and dropped the bar on his shoulder before collapsing on his side with the bar resting on his thigh.

After receiving attention from medics, the Bei­jing champion stood up and waved to the crowd, seemingly fine, but he would take no fur­ther part in the competition, passing up his final snatch and then pulling out of the clean and jerk.

He was then taken to hospital for checks but Germany’s chef de mission Michael Vesper said he was not badly hurt.

“He is OK but was not able to continue with the competition for medical reasons. I do not think it is very serious, but the doctors are checking him over. He will be able to compete in the future but first he has to get treatment. The doctors are looking after him.’ — AFP