(Reuters) -Italy have withdrawn from the rest of the World University Games in Essen, Germany, after gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a fall during his routine, sustaining a serious neck injury that required surgery, news agency ANSA reported on Friday.
Bonicelli, 23, was rushed to a nearby hospital after receiving immediate assistance from on-site health officials, the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) said in a statement.
"During the men's artistic gymnastics team competition... Italian Lorenzo Bonicelli had a bad fall from the rings in the third rotation, sustaining an injury," the FGI said on Wednesday.
Italy have withdrawn from the competition due to the emotional impact the incident had on the rest of the team, ANSA reported.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru)
