A freshman and an injury are always a gut-wrenching combination. Lately, one of Auburn’s fiercest Tigers found herself slowed down for a similar reason. Just when the gymnastics star was finding her momentum in her first NCAA season ever, she hit a roadblock – a devastating injury. Soon, speculations were hovering. Is she going to come back? Or is the gymnast done for?

Well, the speechlessness has now turned colder. It’s not uncertainty, but shock has now hit Auburn fans. What could have possibly happened?

We’re talking about the Auburn gymnastics breakout star (yes, that’s what they had been calling her) Katelyn Jong. What an NCAA debut she’d been having till the end of February. A 9.9+ score on every event except for vault. And in the meet against Alabama? She scored a career-best 9.925 on the bars and a flawless Yurchenko 1.5 on the vault, which won her two event titles (bars shared). Shortly after that, a practice session went as wrong as possible. It left her hanging on the sidelines. But we finally have an update now.

On March 6, Katelyn Jong took to IG and added a post that might dumbfounded you. A black-and-white image does justice to the pale feeling this update leaves in her heart.

Well, that’s because the 18-year-old gymnastics star confirmed, “Last Thursday, I unfortunately tore my Achilles during practice, which required surgery this past Tuesday. As a freshman, it has been incredibly exciting to be a part of, and compete for Auburn. That’s why it’s been especially heartbreaking to face such a tough setback so early in my college career.” 

Well, that’s it. It is a season wrap for Jong!

Plus, we cannot say it left us shocked because the moment the news came out, fans saw Katelyn Jong using a scooter and wearing a boot; gymnastics fans knew her injury was severe. Even the Auburn head coach, Jeff Graba, confirmed Jong’s lower leg injury had resulted during a practice. So we had a hint.

But do you know what’s partially assuring? This may be the end for now. But Jong vows that she’s continuing to push hard for her gymnastics career to come back on track. An Achilles tear could keep an athlete out for four to six months. Moreover, if there is a setback in injury, it could take almost a year. So, Jong mentioned her thoughts.

“I know the road to recovery won’t be easy, but I am determined to stay positive and do everything I can to return to doing what I love.” In the meantime, Jong isn’t ashamed to be among the noisy crowds in the Neville Arena, cheering on her teammates. After all, it’s all god’s plan, and she trusts it!

However, speaking of her teammates, they are all right by her side! “You are so amazing Keko monster!” “Praying for you keko,” her teammates like Sofia Groth, Skye Blakely, and others chimed in with the sweetest words of affirmation on her IG post. After all, looking at how Auburn’s been having an injury-marred season, they have to uplift each other, right?

Auburn gymnastics’ injury-marred fate in 2025

As of March 3, Auburn stands 13th on the NCAA women’s gymnastics standings for 2025. From here, it looks nearly impossible for them to pick the trophy this season. One reason for their setback could be the back-to-back injuries.

After the Oklahoma loss, Jeff Graba highlighted how tough it has been. “We had to shuffle four new lineups in the last 22 hours. That’s the third time we’ve had to do that. It’s been difficult for this team.”

Yes, it’s been the third because Katelyn Jong was the third gymnast who got injured this season. Here’s a rundown. Olivia Hollingsworth had to end her season because of a similar grave lower leg injury. “I just wanted to thank everyone for all the love and support over the past few days and to share that I ruptured my Achilles during Friday’s competition,” she wrote.

Even the 23-year-old was concerned about how big of a setback this was for Auburn.

Another freshman, Marissa Neal, is currently injured out of the lineup, too. So, do you agree with coach Jeff that the frequent shifts in lineups may have disturbed Auburn’s flow this season? Share your thoughts with us below!