Kayla DiCello, a talented gymnast who had trained her whole life to make the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team, suffered a devastating injury during the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in June. In her opening routine, she ruptured her Achilles tendon while performing a routine she had done thousands of times before. This injury put her Olympic dream on hold once again, as she was the third top contender for the Paris Olympic team to sustain a season-ending injury at the trials. Her injury was one of two Achilles injuries that occurred during the week, highlighting the risks of the sport.
Gymnasts are particularly vulnerable to Achilles injuries due to the repetitive nature of their training, as well as the high-impact moves they perform. The intense training schedules, coupled with the lack of support and cushioning for their Achilles tendons, make them more susceptible to injuries. In addition, the hard surfaces at major competitions like the Olympic trials contribute to the risk of injuries.
Dr. Michael Canales, a foot and ankle surgeon, emphasized the need for preventive measures in the sport to decrease the risk of Achilles injuries. These measures could include serial MRI scans, pre-emptive interventions for tendon pain, and periodic reviews of competition and training videos to identify athletes at risk. The current protocols were described as inconsistent, and Canales called for more standardized guidelines across the sport to prevent injuries.
Despite the setback, DiCello remained proud of her years of hard work and dedication to the sport. The road to recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture typically involves immobilization, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activities. The ultimate goal is to implement preventive measures that could potentially prevent such injuries in the future.
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