Chinese gymnast Mao Yi undergoes thighbone surgery after American Cup injury

Chinese gymnast Mao Yi competes during the 2018 American Cup gymnastics championships, held in Chicago, on March 3, 2018. [Photo: Imagine China]

Chinese gymnast Mao Yi underwent a surgery successfully in the United States after she accidentally fractured her leg at the 2018 American Cup gymnastics tournament in Chicago, the Chinese Gymnastics Association said on Sunday.

Mao, a member of China's Olympic bronze medal-winning team in Rio 2016, crumbled on her vault landing and broke her thighbone before being sent to a local hospital.

Doctors said that the surgery was successful and Mao would be able to walk with the aid of crutches in a couple of days. The 19-year-old girl is expected to resume training after four to six weeks.

The 2018 American Cup was held at the Sears Center Arena in Chicago.