Australian record holder Genevieve Gregson says she is "heartbroken" after rupturing her Achilles tendon in the Olympic women's 3000m steeplechase final.
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Gregson, who turned 32 on Wednesday, crashed at the last water jump at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium and left the arena in a wheelchair in obvious distress.
She was treated by Australian medical staff and later posted a picture of herself on social media with her injured right leg in a support.
"I'm heartbroken & don't have the words right now to respond to you all but in short - ruptured Achilles on the last water jump," Gregson wrote.
"Happy Birthday me! Thank you for all the support & lovely messages. I'll try to respond in time.
"For now I need to mend my heart, soul & Achilles."
One of the most popular and well-known members of the Australian track and field team, Gregson was competing at her third Olympics.
Peruth Chemutai from Uganda won the steeplechase gold medal in nine minutes 01.45 seconds.
Australian Associated Press
