WARNING: The following article contains graphic images that some readers may find confronting.

The gymnastics world has been rocked by a sickening moment that saw a young star break both of her legs.

Samantha Cerio was competing for Auburn University in an NCAA regional event on Saturday when the horrific mishap occurred.

Cerio was attempting a handspring double front with a blind landing when she came down at an odd angle and her legs buckled gruesomely.

She immediately grabbed her knees and cried out in pain as paramedics rushed to her aid.

View photos Samantha Cerio suffered horrific injuries. Image: NCAA More

After a lengthy delay, she was taken from the arena on a stretcher.

“It was pretty tough to watch,” Auburn coach Jeff Graba said.

“She’s a trooper. The last thing she said was, ‘Go help the girls.’

“The girls rallied around her. They’re doing this for her right now.”

View photos Cerio was taken to hospital. Image: NCAA More

Cerio later took to social media with the devastating news that she’s retiring from gymnastics.





The extent of Cerio’s injuries have not been confirmed, but Nola.com is reporting she dislocated both of her knees and broke both legs.

Nola.com reporter Amie Just described it as the worst injury she’d ever seen.

We've been told that Auburn's Samantha Cerio broke both her legs on that pass on floor. Worst injury I've ever seen. — Amie Just (@Amie_Just) April 6, 2019





Cerio’s teammates rallied around her after the injury, starting the hashtag “#StickItForSam” before the final on Sunday.

Auburn finished the event fourth, but their main concern was Cerio.

View photos Samantha Cerio in 2017. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) More

“We wanted more than anything to do this for her,” Garba said.

“I think we were out of gas, emotionally spent.

“But I thought the girls fought hard. They did a great job.”