The Oklahoma Sooners’ star gymnast recalls a horrific injury while leading the team to the NCAA championship, saying her ankle was double in size

The journey to becoming a champion is never easy, and for many athletes, it comes with sacrifices and unimaginable challenges. For Oklahoma Sooners’ star gymnast, her road to the NCAA championship was no exception. A remarkable story of resilience, determination, and strength, her journey is marked not just by her success, but also by the harrowing injury that almost derailed her dreams. In a moment that could have easily ended her season—and potentially her career—she showed the world what true grit looks like. As she led her team to victory at the NCAA Gymnastics Championship, she faced what can only be described as one of the most traumatic and painful injuries an athlete could endure.

“I remember looking down and seeing my ankle—it was double the size,” she recalls. “It was so swollen that I didn’t know if I could keep going, but I had to. My team needed me.”

This injury didn’t just test her physical limits—it tested her mental toughness, and in the end, it became one of the defining moments of her career. It is a testament to the kind of athlete she is, and to the mindset that drove her and the Oklahoma Sooners to an NCAA championship.

A Rising Star in Gymnastics

Before the injury, the young gymnast was already considered one of the top talents in collegiate gymnastics. Having trained since she was a child, she was no stranger to the demands and pressures of the sport. By the time she reached the University of Oklahoma, she was already well on her way to becoming a household name in the world of gymnastics.

Her talent on the balance beam, floor exercise, and vault was undeniable. Her performances at the national level were nothing short of spectacular, and she quickly became the face of the Oklahoma Sooners’ gymnastics team. The Sooners’ program had been steadily building its reputation as a powerhouse, and this gymnast seemed to be the perfect leader to take them to new heights.

Throughout her collegiate career, she had experienced a fair share of minor injuries, but nothing that threatened her ability to perform. She had the mental fortitude to push through the pain and stay focused on the task at hand, always prioritizing the success of the team over her personal discomfort. However, nothing could have prepared her for the nightmarish injury that would ultimately test her limits in ways she could never have imagined.

The Moment of the Injury

It was during a routine meet that the injury occurred—one of the most important meets of the season, with the championship on the line. The Sooners were in the midst of a tight competition, and every gymnast on the team was giving it their all. The pressure was mounting, and the stakes were high. The young star was ready to perform one of her signature floor routines—a performance that had become a staple of the Sooners’ success.

But then, everything changed in an instant.

She landed awkwardly during one of her passes, her right ankle twisting unnaturally. The sound of the impact echoed through the arena, and the gymnast immediately felt something was wrong. The pain shot up her leg in waves, sharp and intense. At first, she tried to brush it off. She limped to the sidelines, hoping the pain would subside. But when she looked down at her ankle, she knew that something far worse had happened.

“My ankle was just… huge,” she recalls, her voice tinged with disbelief. “It was literally double in size. I couldn’t even move it. I thought it was broken. I didn’t know what to do. But I knew I couldn’t let my team down.”

Despite the immense pain and the horrific appearance of her ankle, she knew that she had a decision to make: sit out and potentially end her NCAA championship hopes or push through the pain and continue to fight for her team. In a sport as physically demanding as gymnastics, the decision wasn’t an easy one. Gymnasts are used to pushing their bodies to the limit, but this injury was something that could sideline an athlete for months or even years.

Yet, for her, the choice was clear.

The Mental Battle

The physical agony of the injury was only part of the challenge. The mental battle was far more difficult. Gymnastics is a sport that requires precision, balance, and coordination, and even the smallest misstep can lead to disaster. The gymnast was now dealing with a significant injury to her ankle, one that could easily cause her to lose her ability to perform to the best of her abilities. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to think about the possibility of letting down her teammates, coaches, and the entire Sooners’ program.

“I knew that I had to be strong for my team,” she says, her voice unwavering. “They were counting on me, and I couldn’t let them down. I wasn’t just representing myself, I was representing Oklahoma. This was our moment. I had to find a way to push through.”

Despite the pain, she made the decision to continue competing. With the support of her teammates and coaches, she received immediate medical attention to manage the swelling in her ankle. The team’s medical staff worked quickly, using ice and compression to reduce the swelling, but the injury was far from healed. She was unable to perform at her usual level, but she was determined to do what she could for the team.

She decided to continue competing, even though she was physically compromised. This decision would come with consequences, but in the heat of the moment, it felt like the only option.

Competing Through the Pain

The gymnast returned to the competition floor, still nursing her swollen ankle. She was clearly in pain, but she refused to show it. Her routines weren’t as flawless as usual, and she had to modify certain movements to avoid putting too much stress on her injured ankle, but the team’s spirit was lifted by her determination.

“I wasn’t going to be able to land some of the passes the same way,” she admits. “But I found a way to make it work. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about showing up for my team when they needed me the most.”

Her performance was not the standout routine it could have been, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was the heart and grit she displayed in the face of adversity. She kept her composure, focused on executing each move with as much precision as possible, and completed the routine with a sense of pride and accomplishment. While her ankle throbbed in pain with each step, she knew that her effort was far more important than the perfection of her performance.

As the meet went on, her injury became a symbol of the team’s spirit and resilience. Her teammates, inspired by her determination, also pushed through their own challenges and completed their routines with grace and precision. The Oklahoma Sooners’ collective effort was enough to propel them to victory, and they clinched the NCAA Gymnastics Championship in what would go down as one of the most dramatic and memorable competitions in the history of the program.

The Aftermath and Recovery

After the championship was secured, the young gymnast could finally exhale. But her journey was far from over. The injury had taken its toll, and her ankle required immediate medical attention. MRI scans confirmed that there were no fractures, but the ligament damage and swelling were severe. She would need to undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation before she could return to her normal routine.

The recovery process was grueling. For an athlete like her, who had spent years pushing her body to the limits, the thought of being sidelined was daunting. However, she approached her rehabilitation with the same level of focus and determination that had defined her entire career. Through months of physical therapy, pain management, and careful monitoring of her progress, she gradually regained the strength and mobility she had lost in her injured ankle.

“I had to start from scratch,” she explains. “It was humbling to have to relearn simple movements. But it also gave me a new appreciation for the sport. Every step I took toward recovery felt like a victory.”

Legacy and Reflection

Looking back on the injury, the gymnast reflects on how it shaped her as both an athlete and a person. While it was one of the most painful and challenging moments of her career, it also became a defining moment that showcased her resilience and determination. It wasn’t just about winning the championship—it was about overcoming the odds and showing her teammates and fans what it truly means to fight for something you believe in.

“For me, the injury was a reminder that nothing is guaranteed,” she says. “You can’t take anything for granted. But I also realized that when you have the right mindset, you can overcome anything. That championship wasn’t just a victory for me—it was a victory for everyone who supported me, especially my teammates.”

Her injury has since become part of her legacy, a testament to the mental and physical fortitude that defines the best athletes. The Oklahoma Sooners’ championship run that year will forever be remembered not just for the title, but for the incredible display of resilience in the face of adversity. And for the gymnast who led them, it will always stand as a reminder of the strength within herself and the unyielding bond of a team committed to success.