FREAK INJURIES IN SPORT:

CLINT MALARCHUK

In 1989, ice hockey player Clint Malarchuk needed 300 stitches after a player’s blade cut open his jugular vein during an on-field tumble.

A quick-thinking trainer is credited with saving the Buffalo Sabres goalie’s life after rushing onto the ice to put pressure on the huge wound.

Blood sprayed across the ice and three players vomited as Malarchuk clutched his gaping neck.

SALIM SDIRI:

The 2007 Rome Golden League athletics meeting took a bloody turn when long jumper Salim Sdiri was accidentally speared by Finnish javelin thrower Tero Pitkamaki.

Sdiri suffered a 4cm wound where the javelin was planted in his side.

PAULO DIOGO:

Servette midfielder Paulo Diogo, who had recently gotten married, jumped on a metal fence to celebrate setting up a goal for his team in their 2004 Swiss Super League game.

Unaware his new wedding band had gotten caught in the barrier, he jumped back down and ripped the top part of his finger off.

BOBAN JANKOVIC:

Basketballer Boban Jankovic lost his temper during a 1993 playoff after being slapped with an offensive foul under the basket.

Furious, Jankovic turned and slammed his head into a padded stanchion.

The impact damaged his spinal cord, leaving him with permanent paralysis.

JESSICA DUBE:

Canadian ice skater Jessica Dube was accidentally sliced across the face by partner Bryce Davison as the pair attempted symmetrical spins at a Colorado competition.

Davison’s blade is thought to have been travelling at 60km/h when it hit his partner.

TURK EDWARDS:

An NFL player, Turk Edwards suffered a bizarre career-ending injury during the 1940 season after pivoting to head back to the sideline after the pre-game coin toss.

His cleats got caught in the grass and irreparably damaged Edwards’ fragile knee.

ALLAN RAY:

Villanova basketballer Allan Ray’s eye came out of its socket after rival Carl Krauser accidentally poked him during a 2006 game.

Thankfully the injury didn’t cause permanent damage.