Star gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz will miss the 2024 Paris Olympics after an MRI confirmed a ligament injury in her mid-foot.
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Team SA’s Rooskrantz, who was one of South Africa’s two flag bearers at the opening ceremony, injured her foot during the floor exercise competition on Sunday.
The injury prevented her from completing the all-around competition. A team of specialists has confirmed that no surgery is needed and they are confident she will fully recover with the appropriate rehabilitation.
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Rooskrantz, one of the first gymnasts of colour to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games, debuted at the Tokyo Olympics alongside Naveen Davies. Throughout her career, she has earned accolades such as a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and multiple gold medals at the World Cup.
Missing the chance to compete for a medal in Paris after all her hard work is heartbreaking.
Rooskrantz is a big dreamer, inspired by the Springboks to push her limits.
‘As an athlete, watching the Springboks succeed gave me a lot of pride because you get to understand the work that gets put in over the years.’
No doubt, the 22-year-old Johannesburg-born athlete will be back to fight for a medal in four years.
Meanwhile, Candice Lill finished 20th in the mountain bike cross-country women’s race after her rear wheel shattered during the event.
Lill was well-placed for a decent performance but disaster struck on the second lap.
The 32-year-old Olympian refused to give up, running to the tech zone to replace the wheel and complete the race. She finished over four minutes behind home favourite Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France.
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Picture: FJ Meintjes / Gallo Images