Sydney Morris always dreamt of competing at the elite level until injuries played spoilsport. However, being unable to cater to their dream did not peg Morris back. They instead became focused on college gymnastics. Once Morris was picked up by Long Island University, there was no looking back for them. They became the EAGL Rookie of the Week and was later awarded the EAGL Rookie of the Year award back in 2023. 

Their peak success came this season when Morris clinched the EAGL Individual Championship. On their route to glory, Morris scored a record-equalling 9.975 on the beam as well as an impressive 39.375 overall. Unfortunately, while Morris’ career looks as bright as ever, their recent decision will be a bitter pill for the fans to swallow. 

Sydney Morris bids adieu to LIU gymnastics 

Considering their mind-blowing performance, Sydney Morris was expected to serve the LIU for at least a season more. However, in a shocking announcement, Morris bid farewell to gymnastics recently. Taking to their Instagram account, Morris penned down a heartfelt note thanking gymnastics for all the fame.

Reflecting on the same, Morris wrote, “The other half of me and all I knew for as long as I can remember. you opened many doors for my future and carved more paths than I can count. thank you for the opportunities and friendships you brought me along the way.” Morris mentioned that gymnastics made them mentally stronger.

It helped them to feel more confident and fight bravely in the face of obstacles. Ending the note, Morris did not forget to acknowledge their family’s support. Terming them as their “biggest cheerleader”, Morris recollected about all the sacrifices their family made. Meanwhile, in the midst of such an emotional farewell, tensions are brewing about the infrastructure at Long Island University. 

Athletes at LIU have been expressing their concerns regarding the poor training facilities. Adding fuel to the fire, three of their prominent gymnasts have hinted at a switch of teams. Logan Hinson, Juliette Rider, and Kate Parks have reportedly removed LIU from their bios, much to the agony of the fans. 

Fans express their displeasure on the untimely farewell of Syd Morris

The news of Morris spread like wildfire and the same was reported on Reddit. Taking to the comments section, fans got creative. A Reddit user criticized LIU’s gymnastics program, implying mismanagement or dysfunction. They wrote, “LIU is a disaster“. This criticism reflects growing concerns within the gymnastics community that such problems might have influenced Sydney Morris’s abrupt decision to retire from the sport unexpectedly.

Another netizen expressed disappointment over the unexpected departure of Sydney Morris from gymnastics. Hoping for a positive outcome and unity within the team, the user commented, “Nooo! I wanted them to end up happy team!“

Another fan expressed concern over Sydney Morris’s retirement, recalling her impressive performances since her early days as ‘SydTheCoralGirl’. Praying that the retirement is not due to an injury, they commented, “They’ve always been a pretty spectacular gymnast, even since their “SydTheCoralGirl” days. I hope this retirement isn’t due to injury…“

“Oh no, didn’t they have two years of eligibility left? Is it an injury? In any case, they were such a star in their NCAA years” stated another Reddit user. Sydney Morris has been an extraordinary talent for LIU. And with two years of NCAA eligibility left, such an unexpected retirement resulted in speculations regarding the probable reasons behind their retirement.

Sydney Morris previously reflected on mental struggles before regionals. Fans consider this as a suggestion of discontentment with their career. On the same line, one user commented, “There were comments on struggling and overcoming mental issues right before regionals so it’s not hugely surprising they’ve decided that they’re satisfied with their career.“

Thus, with controversies taking center stage, it will be interesting to find out the real reason behind Morris’ retirement. Whether the truth will be told is a question that only the future can answer.