Rio De Janeiro: A day after his horrifying crash vault landing sent tingles down the spines of lakhs of sports fans, French gymnast Samir Ait Said has revealed why he didn't drop a tear after the blow.
Said, who underwent surgery on the gruesome double break of his leg suffered at the Rio Olympics, said that he knew it was all over for him in this year's event.
"Everyone was a bit surprised by my reaction," said Ait Said who was visited in hospital on Sunday by FIG president Bruno Grandi.
"I didn`t scream, I just knew instantly that it was over. So immediately, I thought about the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
"When leaving the arena I already saw everyone standing up. That`s the value of the Olympic spirit.
"When I waved to the public to thank them, everyone applauded. Even amidst my misfortune, it was an extraordinary moment."
The German team were also reeling after national all-around champion Andreas Toba suffered a cruciate knee injury on the floor ending his Olympics.
The 25-year-old was helped off the floor at the Rio Olympic Arena but continued on the pommel horse to help his team qualify for Monday`s eight-team final, before hobbling off.
(With Agency inputs)
