• Chilean weightlifter taken ill before event in Brazil • Elizabeth Poblete was unaware she was pregnant

This article is more than 10 years old

This article is more than 10 years old

An Olympic weightlifter has unexpectedly given birth to a baby boy during training. Chilean Elizabeth Poblete, who competed at the Beijing games, was practising lifts in Sao Paulo ahead of an event when the boy was born.

Poblete had admitted to feeling unwell during training a week before the birth, according to reports in Brazil, but was "shocked" to find she was pregnant.

The boy was born at three months premature and remains in intensive care. However, Poblete has since left the hospital after telling Brazilian television she does not have the funds to continue medical care for her and her baby. The hospital has denied it discharged the 22-year-old because she failed to pay her bill.

Poblete finished 12th in the 69-75kg category at the 2008 Olympics.