BEIJING Olympic weightlifting champion Matthias Steiner's title defence did not go to plan in the super heavyweight competition.

In a sickening moment while trying to lift a whopping 196kg with his second lift in the snatch section of the event, Steiner buckled under the weight of the bar.

With nowhere to go, the bar crashed into his head and neck, flattening him on the floor.

The German managed a wave for the crowd as he left the competition but was a no-show for his third lift.

German Olympic Committee spokesman Michael Vesper said Steiner was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured.

"It came to his neck so for medical reasons he is not able to continue. But he isn't hurt badly. Of course he was disappointed. He was not happy with the situation," Vesper said.