The Sydney Morning Herald reports on the unfortunate mishap which occurred at the Golden League games in Rome last Friday.

French long jumper Salim Sdiri was speared by a javelin in a freak accident at the Rome Golden League meeting today (7/13).

Sdiri was hit by the javelin which had been launched by Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki at the other side of the arena at the Olympic Stadium.

The 28-year-old Sdiri, a bronze medallist at the 2007 European indoor championships, collapsed to the ground before being taken to hospital.

The men’s javelin and long jump competitions were taking place at the same time when the accident happened.

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Hat tip to Roger Poirier.