All photos contributed by Abby Nevin ’23
SPORTS| 18
Quitting gymnastics: refinding myself in times of abrupt change Web News Editor
G
ymnastics defined the entirety of my being, which was why having to quit so abruptly was one of the most challenging experiences in my life. I started gymnastics when I was 5 or 6, and hit my first obstacle at 9 years old, when I freefell from the high bar, breaking the ulna and radius bones in my right arm. This was only the beginning of a long list of injuries to come. I suffered constant tendon issues in both of my knees, broke my elbow and fingers, chipped kneecaps and sprained ankles. Somehow, I always bounced back with more motivation than before, and I eventually began training in a facility 45 minutes away, for over four hours a day, five days a week. But this last summer was where everything flipped. I took a fall from the balance beam, completely dislocating my left kneecap and almost fully tearing two ligaments in my knee. I made a joke of the situation
at the time, being wheeled out in the stretcher, waving goodbye to all my friends like I was on some sort of parade float. Meanwhile, three medics were rushing me to an ambulance with my knee stuck out of its socket. I thought they would just put it back in place and I would be able to continue enjoying my sport, but I was wrong. After visiting multiple doctors, each contemplating reconstructive surgery, they all gave me similar advice: it was time to consider if a future in gymnastics was worth the high risk of chronic pain. Shocked and gutted at this pivotal fork in the road, I felt stuck. I had not rememb e r e d a time w h e r e gymnas-Abby Nevin ’23 tics wasn’t what I was doing. Quitting, as my coaches had always taught me, was the last resort. Quitting is not in a gymnast’s vocabulary. It definitely was not a thought of mine. I had always felt like a gymnast was who I was, and who I would continue to be. After contemplation, I realized that the constant physical pain in various parts of my body
For the first time in my life, I had no idea where I was going. I just took the next best step for me.
was horribly unhealthy. Even before my knee injury, I had wondered if after college gymnastics was over, the injuries I had sustained would negatively impact me for the rest of my life. I took the time sitting at home throughout the summer, icing my knee and completing hours of physical therapy, to finally send the message to my coaches. Once the email sent, it felt like time had stopped. For the first time in my life, I had no idea where I was going. I just took the next best step for me. In a way, it felt like all my hard work had been for nothing. Those countless hours in the gym, the literal blood, sweat and tears were all undone by a singular email. But reflecting back on everything that I did to get to where I am today, I wouldn’t have asked for it to be any other way. Gymnastics not only transformed my life, it boosted my confidence, stratified my work ethic and established my ability to create influential and lasting bonds with those around me. Since the summer, I have been able to invest my time in the things that I have found new passion for, like journalism, spending time with friends and even joining the Staples diving team. I will always have love for gymnastics, and although it broke my heart to say goodbye, I am forever grateful for all the experiences and lessons the sport provided me.
BREAKS AND BONDS Over Nevin’s 10 years of gymnastics, she built strong friendships but had to quit due to numerous injuries.
LEVEL NINE Nevin was a strong gymnast approaching level 10 , with her favorite event being the uneven bars.
