Elite gymnast lands on neck in horrific fall
An elite teenage gymnast has suffered a scary fall while competing for the US in the Pacific Rim Championships.
Morgan Hurd, 16, was attempting a piked full-in off the balance beam when the shocking incident occurred towards the end of her routine.
She landed heavily on her head and neck, sending shockwaves through the audience.
Thankfully the US national team member was able to walk off the mat, although she appeared disoriented and stumbled.
She would eventually return to the competition after being cleared to continue by the team doctor.
Morgan Hurd has been evaluated and cleared by the team doctor. She is currently warming up for floor.
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) April 29, 2018
“Clearly, my beam wasn’t as good as I would hope it to be,” Hurd told FloGymnastics.
In a stunning recovery, Morgan was able to perform her floor routine, pulling out a ‘double layout and tucked double double’, however she was later ruled out of competing in the finals.
Morgan Hurd has withdrawn from today's event finals as a precautionary measure after taking a fall on her balance beam dismount in yesterday’s team and all-around competition. #PacRim2018
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) April 29, 2018
“Due to my fall on beam last night, the decision has been made for me to not compete finals today as a precautionary,” Hurd wrote on social media.
“Although I am very sad about this decision, I know it is best for my safety. but I have to remember that this is not the end goal and I will go home and work even harder to make my country proud again.
“For today though, I cannot wait to be the loudest person in the crowd cheering for my team.”
The teenager still managed to place second in the all-around event, while the US team won gold.
Hurd captured the world all-around title in October last year.
