Mexican gymnast Natalia Escalera, who survived 'on pills' for ligament injury, breaks down after agonising performance
Despite tearing a plantar tendon just days before the Paris Olympics, Natalia Escalera delivered a courageous performance on the bars, but collapsing in pain afterward.
A sportsperson dedicates years of their life to rigorous training, sacrificing countless moments of joy and relaxation for a single, fleeting chance to shine at the Olympics.
Their entire world narrows to one crucial day, one pivotal performance that could turn your dreams into reality.
Now, picture the heart-wrenching agony when, on the eve of your grand moment, an injury strikes, leaving you unable to compete.
Such was the plight of Mexican gymnast Natalia Escalera, who faced this crushing reality just a day before her Olympic performance.
The disappointment was palpable, but what she did next was nothing short of heart-breaking and inspiring.
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Who is Natalia Escalera?
Natalia Escalera/ Instagram
Natalia Escalera, a 22-year-old artistic gymnast from Mexico, exemplifies the blend of strength, flexibility, balance, and precision that defines her sport.
Artistic gymnastics involves performing choreographed routines on specialised equipment, set to music.
Escalera's impressive achievements include being the 2021 Pan American champion and earning a bronze medal on the vault at the 2023 Pan American Games.
What happened to Natalia Escalera in Paris Olympics 2024?
Just days before the Paris Olympic Games, Natalia Escalera suffered a devastating injury¡ªa torn plantar tendon in her left foot.
This setback meant she was unable to compete in the women's all-around gymnastics events on Sunday. However, Mexico's team doctor cleared her to perform on the uneven bars.
On Instagram the day before, Escalera shared her heartbreak: "Unfortunately yesterday in the last workout I broke the plantar ligament in my left leg where I already had another twin tear as well."
Despite the pain and disappointment, she remained resolute: "It hurts me a lot not being able to do all around as I would have liked, sadly I was told not to compete the doctors. But, with all that, I¡¯M GOING TO PERFORM ON BARS! I didn't come this far to not be on the biggest stage in the world."
Escalera's determination was palpable. She delivered a remarkable performance, earning the highest score of 12.800 for Mexico on the uneven bars.
Yet, the physical toll was immense. "I had said I wasn't going to participate, but I had to take as many pills as I could to be able to do it and I'm very happy because I was able to fulfill my dream," Escalera reflected after her Olympic debut.
Credit: Instagram
"The stage is a painkiller," she mused, though the pain was excruciating with every touch of the bar. "Every time I put my foot on the bar it was pain; I just prayed to get through the routine healthy."
After her performance, the agony became unbearable.
Moments after her dismount, Escalera, exhausted and in intense pain, broke down in tears.
She needed assistance from her coach to leave the competition area and was eventually carried to a chair.
Her courageous effort and the emotional toll of the moment made it clear: she had given everything she had.
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Srishti B Dutta brings you everything from rags-to-riches tales and inspiring student success stories to those "No way, this can't be real!" moments. Whether it's intriguing, heartwarming, or just plain quirky, she's got it covered.
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