“Very Upsetting”: US Gymnastics Champion Makes a Shocking Withdrawal From World Championships 2022

The 2022 U.S. National Champion, Konnor McClain, announced she would not compete in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool, England, set to begin on October 29th. Touted as one of the promising gymnasts of Team USA, the Olympic Games shared this news via their official Twitter handle.

Earlier, in August, Konnor McClain, Shilese Jones, and Jordan Chiles created history by claiming all three positions on the podium at the US Gymnastics Championships 2022 which is also Konnor’s debut at a senior national competition. The 17-year-old won the all-around title. Also, she became one of the five gymnasts to be featured in the Peacock docuseries “Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts.”

Gymnastics champion’s withdrawal

This year witnessed McClain unleashing her gymnastics skills in elite competitions and gracefully winning gold medals and all-around titles. She took to Instagram to make an announcement.

In the statement, she shared the unfortunate news that due to a back injury, she is forced to pull herself out from participating in the world selection camp in two weeks. “Although this is very upsetting after such a successful year, I’m ready to come back next year stronger and healthier!” With regard to this, The Olympic Games tweeted, “Get well soon, Konnor!”

It came to light that McClain had been suffering from injury and illness during the National Championships 2022. Her coach Anna Liukin said that they were anxious about her participation. Nevertheless, the gymnastics champion made it to the podium with a glorious all-around title.

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The selection camp is scheduled to be held on 21-22 October in Houston, Texas. It will determine their entry into the World Championships team. National championship’s runner-up Shilese Jones, 2021 world all-around silver medallist Leanne Wong, Olympic floor champion Jade Carey and team silver medallist Jordan Chiles are some of the prominent names on the list.

A memorable win for McClain

Gymnastics champion McClain won the National Championship with a total score of 112.750 with gold in the balance beam. “It’s so unreal,” said the 17-year-old. “I’m still in shock a little bit.” After this iconic win, she remembered her dad who passed away in December 2021. “I wish I could talk to my dad right now,” the champion expressed.

McClain participated in the Winter Cup, DTB Pokal Team Challenge, City of Jesolo Trophy, and US National Championships this year. She won gold medals in two or more categories.

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Although unfortunately, she won’t compete in the World Championships, it is only a matter of time before McClain returns healthier and more robust.