LSU Gymnast Konnor McClain Overcomes Injury, Eyes Comeback

LSU gymnast Konnor McClain, the 2022 U.S. national all-around champion, is making a remarkable comeback after tearing her Achilles tendon during a pre-Olympic meet in May 2024. The injury, sustained while warming up for her floor exercise routine, dashed her dreams of making the 2024 U.S. Olympic team and marked the fifth surgery of her career.

McClain, who also lost her father and grandmother to COVID-19 in December 2021, faced yet another emotional and physical challenge. However, she credits her LSU teammates and a shift in mindset for her rapid recovery. “I took a different approach,” McClain said. “After my Achilles, I sat in my room and said, ‘Let me change my attitude.’ I didn’t want to be sad. I wanted to come back and be there for the team, and the team has my back now.”

McClain returned to competition in LSU’s season opener against Iowa State on January 3, 2025, scoring a 9.80 on bars and a 9.825 on beam. Her performance was a testament to her resilience and determination. LSU coach Jay Clark expressed his admiration for McClain’s recovery, stating, “I’ve been thrilled with how she’s attacked her rehab and her comeback.”

McClain’s journey is far from over. She is expected to compete on bars and beam again at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in Oklahoma City on January 11, 2025, alongside top-ranked teams like Oklahoma, Utah, and California. The meet, broadcast on ABC, offers a postseason-like atmosphere with podium setups, providing valuable experience for the Tigers.

McClain’s comeback is not just a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for her teammates. Fifth-year senior Olivia Dunne remarked, “Konnor has been through so much, and watching her bounce back with so much strength and determination is truly inspiring.”

As McClain continues to add skills and regain her all-around capabilities, her story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of team support in overcoming adversity.