WARNING: This video contains graphic content.
Auburn University student gymnast Sam Cerio has undergone surgery less than two months before her wedding following a horrific double knee dislocation during a routine.
Cerio was attempting a handspring double front with a blind landing when she made the hard landing and fell to the mat at the Baton Rouge Regionals at the weekend.
She dislocated both of her knees and broke both of her legs - and was left screaming in agony on the floor as teammates and officials rushed to her aid.
Cerio was set to undergo surgery yesterday. President of rival Louisiana State University F. King Alexander visited Cerio in hospital, posting a photo on Twitter.
"What a wonderful, inspiring young lady. I have no doubt she will overcome this injury and go on to do amazing things," he said.
The New York Post reported Cerio had air casts around both her legs and was carried on a stretcher from the venue - to a standing ovation.
It just means more, especially when you’re part of a family. I’m so proud of this team & the staff for putting together such a strong showing just like we all knew they could! There’s fire, determination, & lots of passion. Prayers for you @sam_cerio and #wareagle #StickitforSam https://t.co/X36VlpW2Hr
— Megan Walker Thigpen (@mewthigpen) April 6, 2019
@sam_cerio Praying for your speedy recovery. War Eagle from a Roll Tide fan! #WarEagle #StickItForSam
— Amanda L. Danis (@ALDanis879) April 7, 2019
Auburn coach Jeff Graba told Nola.com he had never seen an injury as severe as Cerio's.
"It was pretty tough to watch," 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."
Graba described Cerio as the "heart and soul" of the team.
Cerio, who specialises in floor and bars, was recently named an SEC co-scholar athlete of the year, according to the Auburn Tigers website.
View this post on InstagramNo mercy. Auburn Arena @ 7pm tonight. #SeniorSzn #WarDamn
A post shared by Samantha Cerio Wood (@sam_cerio) on
The team and its supporters have since shown support for the aerospace engineering major with the hashtag #StickItForSam" on social media.
Auburn finished fourth overall at the event, with Graba saying they were "emotionally spent" after the sickening incident.
Cerio announced her retirement from gymnastics in an Instagram post on Monday (NZT), saying "it may not have ended the way I had planned, but nothing ever goes as planned".
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Samantha Cerio Wood (@sam_cerio) on