Katy Dodds 14 / Marketing

M.S. 15 / Supply Chain Management

All-American Gymnast

Katy:

Last year, in the third meet of the year I felt my Achilles

rip in half and it just rolled right up my calf. (5:05-09
5:28-32)

Katy:

my initial thought was, is this how I'm going to remember

ending my gymnastics career with my face down on the
mat? (5:36-405:53-59)

Katy:
(0:39-42)

I started gymnastics when I was about three years old.

Katy:

I loved it. Um, my mom said I wouldn't walk from room to

room, I would just forward roll across the house. (0:591:06)

Katy:

I started competing I think when I was around seven or

eight.
In high school I fractured my back.it was a really tough
time for me and I questioned coming back to the sport
after that.
Sure enough, six weeks into it, I was strong, I was feeling
better, I had most of my skills back, I found my love of
gymnastics again, and then just stuck with it.

Katy:

I had surgery January 31st of last yearmy new Achilles is

like three times thicker than my old one. Um, you know, it
was a long recovery I couldn't stand on my own two feet
until about 3-1/2 months after surgery. Um, it was a long
process, but I finally was able to get through it and get
back in the gym. Um, you know, I was able to red shirt last
year, so now coming back for a 5th year ends up being a
blessing in disguise. (6:24-6:51)

Katy:

I definitely think my injuries have helped make me the

person I am today. Um, you know, it's shown, it showed me
when hardships and adversity is thrown my way, that I've
been able to get through it in the past and it gives me

hope that in the future, you know, I can handle whatever

comes my way.