Injuries are a risk one takes when participating in nearly any sport, including the finesse sport of gymnastics.
Although it was previously known, the West Virginia gymnastics team suffered a wake-up call after Mountaineer junior Jessica Young suffered a broken neck during practice on Feb. 25.
The Monroe, N.C., native slipped, hit her knees on the bar and landed on her neck. She had to have three vertebrae removed during surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
"It really put things into perspective," Bieski said. "We perform because we love it, but every day we go out there and risk our lives."
Young was one of WVU’s top bar performers last year totaling 125.4 points in nine meets. She competed once this season, scoring a 9.3 on bars against Michigan State on Jan. 8.
It’s misfortunes such as Young’s that West Virginia head gymnastics coach Linda Burdette-Good says is the worst part of the coaching profession.
"Whether it’s a sprained ankle or anything, I always say to myself ‘Maybe I should go get a job at McDonald’s or my favorite job would a greeter at Walmart,’" Burdette-Good said. "I hate (injuries), because I know they can always come back."
For the most part, the Mountaineers have been fortunate this year by only experiencing two significant injuries including Young’s – the other being freshman Arlene Hathaway who broke a bone in her foot during preseason.
Bieski, however, said she’s been lucky when it comes to staying healthy. The only injury she has suffered due to gymnastics was a dislocated elbow in high school.
"Knock on wood, I’ve been pretty healthy," Bieski said. "I think I know my body good, and I know where I’m at in the air … I don’t do a lot of new tricks."
Although injuries are factors of the competition, many gymnasts say they have to quickly adjust to not having one of their teammates on the floor.
"You just have to keep telling yourself they’re OK, and that kind of gets you through it," said junior Alysha Pretzello.
Senior Ashley Wilson says injuries are an aspect gymnasts go through each season. Despite having not suffered anything serious herself, Wilson said due to the higher risk of injury in the sport, it’s something gymnasts come to expect and have to move on from.
Burdette-Good says despite tough minds, sturdy bodies and hours of training, most of the athletes are always going to be gun shy when returning to the mat.
"Every sport is the same way," she said. "Of course you’re a little tentative, and I think it makes a difference. It’s just one of those freak accidents that happen."
As for how a coach manages a detrimental injury such as Young’s broken neck, Burdette-Good said she relies on the team’s training staff to get her athletes back to where they need to be.
"We have a very good support staff, and they have long term planning that sets goals for the hurt athlete," Burdette-Good said.
"(The staff) works with them to make sure they’re OK with it, and if they’re not, then we reevaluate."
Be the first to comment on this article!