South African gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz’s Olympic journey has taken an unexpected turn at the Paris 2024 Games, after she sustained an injury and was ‘forced to withdraw’ from the qualifying rounds.
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The talented 22-year-old athlete suffered an injury to her right foot during the floor exercise in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics qualifying round on Sunday, July 28.
TeamSA confirmed the unfortunate news on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“SA gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz has been forced to withdraw from the all-around competition at the Olympics after suffering an injury to her right foot during the floor exercise on Sunday. It is unclear as yet whether she will play a further part in these Games.”
SA gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz has been forced to withdraw from the all-around competition at the Olympics after suffering an injury to her right foot during the floor exercise on Sunday. It is unclear as yet whether she will play a further part in these Games. pic.twitter.com/nOrO36voKa
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 28, 2024
Rooskrantz, who was set to compete in the all-round, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise, Uneven Bars, and Vault, had shown promise in her initial performances.
According to Supersport, in the Uneven Bars, she earned a 13.733 score, soaring past Ukraine’s Anna Lashchevska’s 13.033 and Switzerland’s Lena Bickel, who earned 12.266. Her scores in the Beam Balance and Floor Exercise were 11.333 and 10.866, respectively.
However, the injury prevented her from participating in the Vault event, leaving her future at Paris Olympics uncertain.
This setback is particularly poignant given Rooskrantz’s journey to the Paris Olympics.
Caitlin Rooskrantz of Team South Africa competes in the floor exercise during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The Paris Games marked Rooskrantz’ second qualification for her Olympic appearance after her stellar performance at the Tokyo Games in 2020. A feat she celebrated with pride.
“It feels great to know that I have ‘two-time Olympian’ behind my name. Qualifying for the first time was one of my biggest life dreams achieved. At the time, I did not even think that I would be going for a second one. But here I am, about three years later, heading to my second one,” Rooskrantz had told the Daily Maverick.
The gymnast also held the honour as official Flag Bearer for Team South Africa at the opening ceremony, which took place along the River Seine.
Images of Rooskrantz proudly carrying the South African flag alongside fellow athletes had captured the spirit of optimism and unity of South Africa as the Olympic Games kicked off.
Lars Baron / Getty Images
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As the gymnastics community and South African supporters await further news on Rooskrantz’s condition, the hope remains that this setback will not define her Olympic experience.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether she can recover and potentially participate in any remaining events at the Paris Games.
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Feature Image: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
