During the first ever women's 90kg weightlifting competition at the American Open, Kalli Verbecky bailed on an 80kg snatch and got caught in a freak accident. The bar landed on her hip and lower back resulting in a broken pelvis and dislocated hip.

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Thanks to the prompt attention from the USA Weightlifting medical staff, she was taken to the ER and has successfully come out of her first surgery. According to her husband, this first surgery was "mainly to relieve her pain" while she'll be in a more major surgery in the next day or so to repair her pelvis and put everything back together. 

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The American Open was Verbecky's first national level meet and while freak accidents like this are always unpleasant, it could have been so much worse if the bar landed an inch over. No one ever wants to see an accident like this happen, and we're all hoping Kalli has a quick and successful recovery. If you're looking to help with her recovery, you can donate here.

We'll keep you updated with any relevant info.