BRITISH gymnast and European all-round champion Jessica Gadirova has confirmed she has torn her ACL and could miss next years Olympics.
The 19-year-old said she sustained the injury in a “freak accident” during a warm up routine at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp earlier this month.
She confirmed this on an Instagram post on Sunday, admitting that she will “do everything” to be back in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She said: “I know it’s going to be a tough and long journey ahead.
“At this point I don’t know for sure how long but I’ll be doing everything I can with the support of those around me to return to the sport I love as soon as I can.
“I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and love.”
Gadirova won three gold medals at the European Championships earlier this year and won Olympic bronze, alongside her twin sister Jennifer, in the team event at Tokyo 2020.
Her sister is also currently sidelined with an injury, although she is expected to return in time for the competition.
The recovery time for an ACL injury typically ranges between six and 12 months and with the Paris Olympics beginning on July 26th next year, Gadirova faces a race against the clock to be fit in time.
(Photo by PA Media)
