Paul George hoping to set up meeting with French gymnast who shattered his leg
French gymnast Samir Ait Said’s horrific leg injury, suffered Saturday during team qualification, has become one of the heart-breaking stories of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
If there’s anyone who can understand the emotional and physical pain that Ait Said is in, it’s USA basketball’s Paul George. Just two years ago, George had an equally gruesome compound fracture during a warmup game for the 2014 FIBA World Cup that caused him to miss most of the 2014-2015 NBA season. He’s now fully recovered, having returned to Team USA in its quest for Olympic gold.
George was quick to tweet messages of encouragement to Ait Said on Saturday night, but reportedly wants to do more.
@samiraitsaid1 I feel for you brother.. You'll be in my prayers! You'll come back stronger from this trust me … https://t.co/pPbBOxKIST
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) August 7, 2016
@samiraitsaid1 I'm here with you and for you bro!
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) August 7, 2016
According to Jeff Zilgitt of USA TODAY Sports, George is also eager to meet Ait Said, although it is unclear when that meeting will occur as Said has not yet been accepting visitors. He posted a video from his hospital bed Sunday morning, thanking people for their support and vowing to return for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
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