Kayla DiCello, a two-time world medalist in gymnastics, suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture during the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in June. She was aiming for a spot on the Paris Olympic team after being named an alternate for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. DiCello’s injury was the third among top contenders at the trials, with Skye Blakely also rupturing her Achilles the week before. Foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Michael Canales highlighted the heightened risk of Achilles injuries in elite gymnasts due to the sport’s intense training demands and lack of support for the tendons. Prevention protocols, such as MRI scans, interventions for tendon pain, and video reviews, could help decrease the likelihood of these injuries. The recovery period after Achilles tendon repair can take up to a year, and gymnasts are at a higher risk of rupturing the tendon in their opposite leg after returning to the sport. Canales stressed the need for consistent preventive measures in gymnastics to avoid injuries in the first place. Despite her setback, DiCello expressed pride in her years of hard work and dedication to the sport, holding onto the dream of representing her country at the Olympic Games.
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