Athletes train for years to become the best of the best. They strive through the harshest conditions for a chance to grasp at that coveted gold medal, putting their bodies and minds to the ultimate test.
Some of these Olympic gladiators emerge victorious. Some walk away in shame.
[seealso slug=scary-pairs-figure-skating-olympics/]
These are the Olympians whose performances ended in tears -- and possibly bumps and bruises. These unlucky athletes won't go home with shiny medals draped around their necks, but they do deserve recognition for getting up and continuing to compete after their cringe-worthy wipe outs.