Armenian weightlifter Andranik Karapetyan crashed out of the Olympics in agony as his left elbow gave way during a second attempt to lift 195kg (429lbs).

The 20-year-old was one of the favourites for the 77kg (169lbs) and strode onto the stage with the confidence befitting a European champion and lifted the vast weight onto his broad shoulders.

But when he attempted the clean and jerk, his left arm gave way and he had to take evasive action.

All was going well for Andranik Karapetyan during his second attempt to lift 195kg

But as he propelled the vast weight vertically, the pressure told on his left limb

The pain clear for all to see on his face, the unfortunate Karapetyan lets go in agony

As he performed the clean and jerk, his elbow gave way with gruesome effect

Things took a dramatic turn for the 20-year-old, with his left elbow hyperextending

The Armenian was favourite in his weight class and looked in great shape for a medal

As the vast weight crashed to the mat, medical officials rushed to attend to the unfortunate young Olympian.

Seconds earlier, he had appeared a certainty for a medal - which would have been Armenia's first of this Olympic Games - but his dreams were cruelly shattered in the most devastating circumstances.

The European champion clutches at his left elbow after suffering the heartbreaking injury

With his medal hopes crushed by a cruel twist of fate, Karapetyan screams in agony

Medical staff rush to attend to the athlete, helping the poor soul off the stage

The tears flow as an inconsolable Karapetyan is attended to in prompt fashion

Early suggestions were that the Armenia had suffered a dislocated elbow.

Karapetyan was later seen being carried in to an ambulance on a stretcher on a saline drip. His Armenian team-mates and the coaching staff all appeared very shaken up by the incident.