Times Gymnasts Took a Hard Fall
Gymnastics, with its gravity-defying routines, can sometimes lead to devastating injuries. Here are a few notable instances where gymnasts experienced severe falls.
1. Samir Ait Sayed’s Rio 2016 Injury
French gymnast Samir Ait Sayed’s vault at the 2016 Olympics ended tragically. His routine was cut short by a loud crack as he landed awkwardly, breaking both his tibia and fibula. This wasn’t his first major injury; he had missed the 2012 Olympics for a similar accident on the same vault. Despite the severity of his injury and the passing of his father in 2019, Ait Sayed has since worked hard to recover and aims to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
2. Rebecca Bross’s 2011 Knee Injury
In 2011, Rebecca Bross suffered a severe knee injury during a vault at the Visa Championships. The injury forced her to miss the rest of the 2011 season and impacted her performance in the 2012 Olympic Trials, ultimately ending her gymnastics career. The injury was particularly disheartening for Bross as it came during what was meant to be her final Olympic bid.
3. Simone Biles’s Twisties at Tokyo 2020
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Simone Biles faced a mental block known as the “twisties,” which made her disoriented during her vault. This issue led her to withdraw from the team finals to prevent further injury. Despite the setback, Biles’s decision was a testament to her skill and bravery, as most gymnasts in her position could have suffered severe injuries.
4. Jacoby Miles’s Paralyzing Fall
In 2011, Jacoby Miles experienced the twisties during practice, leading to a severe fall that resulted in her being paralyzed from the neck down. Her accident highlighted the risks of gymnastics and the severe consequences of a mental block during complex routines.
5. Kara Eaker’s 2018 Balance Beam Fall
Kara Eaker’s fall from the balance beam during the 2018 World Championships was a significant disappointment, especially since she had been a standout performer for her team. Her fall was a reminder of the fine line between success and failure in high-stakes competitions.
6. Mattie Larson’s 2010 World Championships Stumbles
In 2010, Mattie Larson’s falls on the floor exercise at the World Championships were costly for the U.S. team. Her errors led to a second-place finish, a major letdown for a gymnast who was once a top contender.
7. Beth Tweddle’s 2012 Olympic Bars Fall
Beth Tweddle’s nearly perfect bars routine at the 2012 Olympics was marred by a slight mistake on the landing, costing her a higher medal placement. Despite the fall, she still secured a bronze medal, though the error was a painful moment for her fans.
8. Sam Serio’s 2019 Floor Routine Injury
In April 2019, Sam Serio’s floor routine at the Baton Rouge Regional Championships ended in a severe accident, leading to two dislocated knees, a fractured leg, and multiple ligament damages. The fall went viral, drawing significant attention to the rare and severe nature of her injuries.
These moments highlight the risks of gymnastics and the resilience of its athletes. From Ait Sayed’s broken leg to Serio’s viral fall, these incidents show that even the most skilled gymnasts can face incredible challenges.
