Nightmare on the tatami in Baku! Star champion carried off on a stretcher at the World Championships. VIDEO

A dramatic incident in the semifinals of the World Championships in Baku ended with a celebrated athlete being rushed to hospital.

Details: French judoka and two-time Olympic medallist Sarah-Léonie Cysique was evacuated on a stretcher during the women's under-57kg semifinal at the World Championships in Baku.

The incident occurred just fourteen seconds after the start of her bout against Japan's Akari Omori. Her opponent executed a powerful and legal harai-goshi hip throw, sending the Frenchwoman crashing headfirst onto the mat and suffering a serious neck injury.

The athlete was unable to continue the bout or leave the arena on her own. Doctors promptly provided first aid and transported the judoka to a local hospital for a detailed examination, meaning the Frenchwoman will be unable to take to the tatami in the bronze-medal bout.

It is worth noting that Sarah-Léonie Cysique is a key member of the French national team and a champion at the biggest international events, having won silver at the Tokyo Games, bronze at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as well as two gold medals in the Olympic team event.

Reminder: Terrifying scenes at the tournament: athlete collapses unconscious after attempting to lift barbell