The authors report the rare case of an athlete having a complete rupture of the distal triceps tendon associated with severe chronic degenerative pathology of the triceps tendon induced by forced weight-lifting exercises and repetitive corticosteroid injections. Reconstruction of the ruptured triceps was possible using autogenous semi-tendinous and gracilis tendons. The good functional outcome obtained with this technique and the analysis of the retrospective chart review suggest that when direct reattachment is impossible (tendon retraction or loss of tendon in post-traumatic or degenerative injury) or not sufficient (weakness after total elbow arthroplasty surgery), the use of an autogenous semi-tendinous and gracilis tendons permits a good functional outcome.