Declared as the SEC Freshman of the Week in the current year (2024), Konnor McClain – the 2022 US National Champion – had been dealing with back-to-back injuries but has been longing for her return to the competition lately. In her latest meet-up against Alabama, the All-Around Champion of NCAA Gymnastics put up her best, both on the beam and floor routines.
Adding a 9.875 with a third score to the beam squad in the latest meet with Alabama, McClain contributed tremendously well to transition to a 49.450 total on the LSU Tiger’s board. Over and above that, she led off with a 9.925 in the final rotation on the floor as well, bestowing a win-win situation for the LSU Tigers this season. Post the legendary LSU win on 1st March 2024, the head coach of the winning team put light on Konnor McClain’s gymnastics journey since her injuries.
The right approach Konnor McClain could adhere
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Reserved in her happiness erstwhile, when the media questioned the LSU head coach about Konnor McClain, he exclaimed that there are a lot of layers to that onion. Considering her training tactics presently after the health issues, the 5x USA National team member has been suffering lately, he added, “She felt better this week. Her back was under control.”
Jay Clark believes that overshadowing her ‘frustrated’ hurt is most likely the same situation set for the National Champion as well. Coach Jay Clark stated, “I think sometimes kids don’t want their coaches to know that they’re hurting. She (McClain) has to learn that I need to know because we have other options.. and, we don’t have to run her into a ditch physically you know to be successful.”
Despite all the shortcomings, Konnor McClain, as the LSU head coach explains, performed decently well on the floor and looked happy in herself during the meet and after the win. However, he believes that she needs to loosen up a bit to conquer further quests.
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LSU head coach’s valuable suggestion
Commenting on Konnor McClain’s typical demeanor, Jay Clark believes she is reserved by nature. However, he anticipates that with experience later in her career, she may become more relaxed. Despite this, Jay Clark continues to provide Konner McClain with encouragement.
Read More: Forced Out of Elite Gymnastics, Konnor McClain Emerges as LSU Student-Athlete of the Month
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Whenever the ‘Olympic hopeful’ is on the NCAA gymnastics floor, the head coach mostly educates Konnor McClain about her off-the-floor affairs, rather than the sport technicalities itself. He explains, “It’s mostly about trying to get her smile and getting her feel good, be happy.” Encouraging her every now and then, Jay Clark also claimed that his motive is not to change her cerebral nature, she is what she is.
