Germany's Matthias Steiner, the defending Olympic weightlifting champion, withdrew from the competition on Tuesday after he was hit in the neck with a barbell during the men's super heavyweight competition.

Steiner, 29, lost his balance while trying to lift around 432 pounds in his second lift, according to the Associated Press. He fell on the platform and the barbell crashed down on his neck, after which medical officers rushed to his side to help him up.

Steiner got up and after waving to the crowd, reassuring them he was all right, he walked into the arena's back room and did not return for his third lift. The stadium announcer said Steiner would be taken to the hospital for X-ray exams.

At the 2008 Olympics, the weightlifter won the super heavyweight gold medal, raising 568.8 pounds, and was hoping to keep his title at this year's Games. His stardom at the Olympics helped him become 2008's make athlete of the year in Germany.

To watch a full replay of the competition and to see who ended up winning after Steiner stepped off the platform, go to NBC's official site for the 2012 Olympic Games or click here.

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