US gymnastics star reveals heartbreaking injury diagnosis after being taken out of Paris Olympic Trials in a wheelchair
American gymnast Kayla DiCello announced her diagnosis of a ruptured Achilles tendon on social media shortly after competing in qualifying matches for the Paris Olympics on Friday night.
While completing a jump attempt, DiCello landed on the mats after a double tuck. Immediately after landing she went to the ground.
After a few seconds, she shook her head, knowing the discomfort was likely an injury that would keep her out of the Olympics.
DiCello was an alternate for the 2020 Olympic Games for the U.S. gymnastics team and was expected to compete for one of the final spots this summer, with Simone Biles and Suni Lee likely to take two of the five tickets to Paris.
Now, 20-year-old DiCello will have to wait until the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles for her chance to represent her country at the global event.
DiCello was injured while performing a double tuck during the Olympic qualifying matches in Paris on Friday
DiCello said she tore her Achilles tendon landing on the jump and will not compete in the Olympic qualifiers
‘Thank you so much for all your love and support. Unfortunately, I tore my Achilles tendon in the opening event of the Olympic Trials,” DiCello said on social media.
‘Although this is not the result I had in mind, there is so much to be proud of. Years of tireless work and dedication in the gym with the dream of representing my country once again in the Olympic Games,” DiCello continued. “Pushing myself to pursue new skills and new dreams.”
“There’s also so much to be thankful for. To my coaches, my teammates in the gym, my family, my friends, and my supporters, I’m so thankful for everything you’ve done for me,” DiCello added. “It truly takes a village to get to this point, and your support through the good days and the bad days is something I’ve leaned on more than you know.”
“As I begin my healing journey, I am grateful for your prayers and well wishes. This is not the end of my story,” DiCello concluded.
The five members of the US women’s gymnastics team going to Paris will be announced on Sunday evening.
The winner of the all-around, likely Biles, will claim the automatic berth.
The remaining four spots are selected by a committee formed by USA Gymnastics.