International Gymnast Magazine Online - Izbasa Out of Worlds with Torn Achilles' Tendon

Izbasa Out of Worlds with Torn Achilles' Tendon
Written by Dwight Normile for International Gymnast Magazine \| Friday, September 18, 2009

(14 votes, average 4.64 out of 5)

2008 Olympic floor exercise champion Sandra Izbasa of Romania was injured in Buzau on Thursday, but witnesses say it could have been a lot worse.

Izbasa, 19, was tumbling a piked full-in back-out on floor exercise when her right Achilles' tendon snapped on the takeoff. She also suffered a hand injury when her fall.

"I didn't know what happened," Izbasa told IG. "I heard a pop and thought it was the floor."

Izbasa said she felt like she was only one meter above the floor, and that she pulled the skill around as best she could.

"If there is something gratifying, is that it's better mentally because this injury could have been a tragedy and we were all scared," said Nicolae Forminte, Romanian national coach.

Izbasa was taken to University Hospital in Bucharest for evaluation. She will have surgery on her Achilles' tendon on Monday, and her hand will be in a cast for three weeks.

The injury will keep Izbasa out of the 2009 World Championships in October, and she will likely be replaced by alternate Gabriela Dragoi. The other three team members are Anamaria Tamarjan, Diana Chelaru and Ana Porgras.

Olympic legend Nadia Comaneci, a contributing editor to IG, spoke with Izbasa Friday. She said Izbasa is doing well and that her spirits are high.

International Gymnast Magazine Related Features:
"Izbasa's Edge" (April 2009)

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turnitonagain said:

	... This is such sad news. Sandra is my big favourite, but this is already the umpteenth gymnast who has to withdraw from the Worlds, it maes me wonder if it will be still worth watching.
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September 18, 2009
Votes: +5

Lady said:

	... Wow....she's really beat up. Poor kid.
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September 18, 2009
Votes: +2

Nicki T. said:

	... That's very unfortunate to hear. I hope this doesn't end up being the end of her career...it sounds serious. Best wishes in her recovery.
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September 18, 2009
Votes: +2

is foot, not hand, Low-rated comment [Show]

for Sandra said:

	... I wish you all the best in the world!!! Get well soon!!
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September 19, 2009
Votes: +2

Kristin said:

	... Oh, no! What a shame! She's one of my favourite Romanian now, and one of myt all-time favourite gymnasts, so I'm very sad this has happened!! Anyway, let's hope she will be back for the London Olympics, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her!
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September 19, 2009
Votes: +4

Glyn Worsley said:

	... Good luck babe. I snapped my Achilles playing football in June and I'm just getting back to normal. You will recover and probably it will be stronger than before. Good Luck.
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September 19, 2009
Votes: +0

gymfan723 said:

	... adi - She hurt her hand AND her Achilles.
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September 19, 2009
Votes: +0

Maria said:

	... Is there an address where we can send her a get well card?
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September 19, 2009
Votes: -1

James said:

	i feel so bad i feel so bad for her she was so close to going to the 2009 worlds. i'll miss her when i go but 2 other very good floor workers beth tweddle and anna myzdrinkova will replace her but i'm still feeling very bad hope you get better soon sandra Bye
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