“I Hate Everything”: Gymnastics Community Divided Over Konnor McClain’s Coach Allegedly Forcing Her into Season-Ending Injury

Konnor McClain suffered the most heartbreaking injury on the night of May 18. Competing at the Core Hydration Classics, the LSU Tigers’ gymnast suffered a torn Achilles tendon. However, her start to the evening was quite promising. The NCAA gymnastics phenom kicked off proceedings with a switch half and a side aerial on the balance bars. Managing to put up a decent show, McClain managed to remain in the top 3 by scoring 14.200. 

Sadly, misfortune was lurking around the corner as McClain suffered a bad fall during her floor routine. The NCAA star left the field in a wheelchair, much to the agony of the fans. And now, a large section of them are accusing her coach of being responsible for her season-ending injury. 

People held Valeri Liukin responsible for Konnor McClain’s heartbreak

While it is evident that McClain cannot fulfill her Olympic dreams, several theories are being floated around. One of the major among them is that Valeri Liukin, McClain’s coach, is the one responsible for her injury. An X update from an account named GymFan stated, “Valeri Liukin you will pay for your crimes…And the fact that it was on a DLO that she was throwing every week in college 😭😭 Like what changed 😭😭😭😭😭😭 (How long also does it take to recover from Achilles because I want to see Konnor compete next season 😭😭😭)”

Liukin was accused of being at fault for not properly pacing McClain’s training. The post pointed out that the lack of a proper game plan resulted in McClain rushing through her rigorous training for the top-tier competition. This, in turn, resulted in the injury. But things were quite bright a few weeks back. Clinching her maiden NCAA title, McClain was one of the mainstays of the LSU Tigers throughout the season. 

Quite expectedly, after passing the NCAA test with flying colors, McClain was confident about making it to Paris. She oozed confidence while saying, “The Olympics has always been my dream, so I was like, I might as well try just because I can. I’m capable of it, so just try and not give up on my dream.” Unfortunately, McClain will have to wait for four more long years. And this is something that the fans despised. 

Fans heartbroken after Konnor McClain pulls out

Looking at her LSU antics, several fans were hopeful about watching a young McClain dominate proceedings in Paris. But after her season was cut short abruptly, her admirers did not sit back quietly and expressed their heartbroken state. 

Referring to the unfortunate turn of events at the Core Hydration Classics, one fan speculated on social media that if McClain’s injury is an Achilles tendon rupture, it would likely sideline her for the entire NCAA gymnastics season. They wrote, “If it’s an Achilles she’ll most likely be out for NCAA season 😭”

One fan expressed frustration and disappointment by commenting, “COURTNEY JUST CONFIRMED IT I HATE EVERYTHING 😭😭.” In all probability, a credible source has confirmed the suspicion of McClain’s Achilles injury which has resulted in the outrage.

Responding to the ongoing controversy one X user defended LSU coach Valeri Liukin. They questioned the fairness of the ongoing debate, mentioning, “So you’re blaming Valeri for a freak accident? Have you blamed Georgia Godwin’s coach for her achilles? We know he’s a bad coach, but not EVERYTHING is his fault ffs” They compared it to the situation with Georgia Godwin, an Australian gymnast who suffered an Achilles injury. 

Another gymnastics enthusiast added a personal opinion in the comment section. “If he had properly paced her, she would have had a better career in general; would not have had to postpone her commitment, then de postpone it, and start training elite seriously with so little time…”, added the fan. They believe that if Valeri Liukin had paced her training more effectively, McClain might have enjoyed a successful gymnastics career. According to the fan, it’s mismanagement that forced McClain towards such an outcome.

One fan expressed concern for Konnor McClain and added, “6 months”, suggesting it might take six long months for her to recover if it’s an Achilles injury. This might turn out to be devastating as McClain’s Paris dreams are put at stake. Thus, the fans will now hope for Konnor McClain to come back quickly and strong. And while doing so, conquer every possible accolade there is in the gymnastics realm to make up for a shattered Olympics dream.