Ranieri Lopes Filho ruptured his quad as he prepared for a show.
Ranieri Lopes Filho shared a video on social media of a devastating injury while attempting a heavy leg press.
The bodybuilder loaded up 900 pounds on the machine in a gym in Teresina, which is in the Brazilian state of Piaui. He completes one rep before suffering a ruptured quad. Filho is seen yelling in pain as gym staff and others come to his aid, taking weights off the machine to stabilize it.
“Although each experience is unique, it’s the decisions we make that guide the meaning of our existence. Thus, life presents numerous challenges whose consequences reveal both the weight of decisions and the false alternatives that offer us only the illusion of freedom.”
Filho was preparing for a bodybuilding show in March but will not be sidelined for the year. After weights were unloaded, Filho rolled off the machine and waited for emergency services for further help. Filho shared the video on social media and has received many well wishes from those who have seen his condition.
Bodybuilder Sidelined Following Major Injury
The bodybuilder spoke with Brazilian media about the incident. Filho underwent surgery the day after the injury. He shared that he will not be able to bend his leg for three weeks and will not be able to walk for several months. If his recovery goes well, it will be until 2027 when he can safely return to training.
Filho will also have to go through physiotherapy based around electronic stimulation during his road to recovery. Filho has been training for over a decade as he chases his dream of being a bodybuilder.
“It was indescribable pain, but along with it came the frustration of knowing that all the planning to compete in May had gone down the drain. The post-surgery pain was even worse than that of the accident.”
A quad tear is a uncommon injury in sports where the muscle disconnects completely from the kneecap. It occurs most for those in middle-age who are running or playing sports that involve jumping. This tendon is the most important when straightening the knee from a bent position. Filho was told by his surgeon that he will need to keep his leg straight for three weeks before the brace is removed. Anywhere from six to eight weeks is when he can begin to walk to build strength back up.
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