Is the Gymnastics Community Plagued With Injuries? Zoe Miller and Ondine Achampong’s Disappointing Announcement Raises Concerns

Gymnastics, with its beauty, grace, and poise, captivates audiences worldwide. Yet, behind every perfect routine lies a demanding and often dangerous sport where gymnasts are at significant risk of injury, including sprains, strains, fractures, and even more severe injuries. As champions around the world are aiming for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the sport is seeing several injuries, forcing many gymnasts out of competition.

From Suni Lee’s kidney disease to Jessica Gadirova’s full tear of her anterior cruciate knee ligament and Sara Ulias’ ACL tear, the road to recovery from serious injuries and illnesses has been a roller coaster ride for many. And now, in just 24 hours, Zoe Miller and Ondine Achampong’s heartbreaking announcements have raised concerns about the injuries affecting gymnasts.

Ondine Achampong is the latest name added to the list of gymnastics injuries

In an emotional Instagram post, Ondine Achampong, the 2021 British all-around champion, explained why she had to pull out of the European Championships earlier in the week. She explained that during one of the final control competitions at Lilleshall, she landed a bar dismount and subsequently underwent an MRI scan, which revealed that she had torn her ACL. Achampong said, “I feel devastated. My competition preparation has been so positive all year and I really felt as ready as I could possibly be leading up to this summer.” 

She shared the news ahead of the women’s European Championships to put an end to any speculation. She wanted the girls competing in Italy to fully focus on the upcoming competition, stating that she would be cheering her teammates on from home. As we reflect on this devastating news from 20-year-old Ondine Achampong, back in America, Zoe Miller’s announcement adds to the heartbreak for gymnastics fans, coming just hours after Achampong’s.

Zoe Miller’s departure from gymnastics

Fans were excited to see WCC’s Zoe Miller take 2024 by storm alongside her best friend, Simone Biles. However, in a heartbreaking announcement on April 28, Miller took to Instagram to announce the end of her elite gymnastics career. The 18-year-old explained that she injured her shoulder in February, just before the 2024 Winter Cup, and despite therapy and rest, it hasn’t healed as quickly as she’d hoped. “As I am 100% prioritizing my full recovery to be ready for college, this now means my elite career ends here. It’s hard to accept, but focusing on college preparations has been exciting and motivating,” wrote Zoe Miller.

She reflected on the countless memories she had made during her time as an elite athlete and stated that they would forever hold a special place in her heart. She ended her note with gratitude for the invaluable lessons in discipline, the close bonds of friendship, and the unforgettable moments that had shaped her. Despite the year not turning out as she had envisioned, Zoe declared that she was determined to embrace the start of a new journey.

Now, she hopes to make waves with the LSU gymnastics team in her collegiate career. With Ondine Achampong’s Olympic dreams now in question, fans await to see where this journey takes these talented gymnasts. The heartbreaking news of their withdrawals comes as an upset, and fans wish them a speedy recovery on this new journey.