Macy Toronjo - UCLA Gymnastic
“I started gymnastics when I was about 5 years old and have continued for 18 years. I initially got into gymnastics because my friends were also doing gymnastics classes. I think there was just a moment when the coaches were like, ‘hey she could be really good, we think she should move up to team and training,’ and my mom was like, ‘well, okay.’ Then I just ended up sticking with it for 18 years.”
“For me, competing for UCLA meant so much more than just college gymnastics. When you go to UCLA, whether you’re the top dog, or not, you carry a legacy with you. At UCLA you are under one of the biggest gymnastics’ spotlights, but with that comes a big shadow. The viral nature and celebrity status are a beautiful thing, but they add pressure knowing you’re always under the microscope. UCLA is an absolutely amazing program because it focuses on showcasing each and everyone’s individuality.”
“Prior to college, I suffered from nitpick injuries. However, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I suffered from an extremely bad rotator cuff tear. I finished my Junior Olympic career by winning state, regionals, and nationals and came into UCLA as a top recruit. Unfortunately, once I arrived, another MRI showed that my rotator cuff was 90% torn off the bone. The doctors weren’t sure I was going to be able to return to the sport, but I was determined to beat the odds.”
“A rotator cuff repair takes about an entire year. It was incredibly tough for me mentally and physically because I had never taken off that long for an injury. When it seemed like I’d finally turned the corner and was getting healthy, things changed again. One morning I woke up and could not see anything. I couldn’t even see my phone to call my mom. I began to panic. I immediately woke up my roommate at the time who was a beach volleyball player at our school and was taken to the Jules Stein Eye Clinic. After many, many tests, they diagnosed me with a rare autoimmune disorder called VFH.”
“At this point in my gymnast career I had not competed in an event or exhibition. I had gained and lost my muscle again due to the drugs the doctors had me on. I remember that all this hit right when my fall quarter classes began. I couldn’t see anything so most of the time I’d just walk around campus, listen to music, and cry.”
“Now you ask what kept me going? Honestly, I don’t think it was just one thing. My parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and teammates were the reasons I kept pushing. It was because of their support that I never gave up. Also, I just don’t think giving up is in my vocabulary. After a few months I had overcome another major obstacle, and I went on to have an extremely successful season my sophomore year at UCLA.”
“I wasn’t too upset that my season was cut short. Since I had undergone so many trials already, I look at this as just another obstacle that we will overcome. This quarantine has been very good for me personally. I’m not one that likes to sit still, and it has in a way forced me to sit down and really reminisce. This quarantine has helped me realize what’s really important in life. It’s not about the 10s, the victories, or the losses. It’s about the connections you make along the way. It’s about the lives you touch. That’s what really matters.”
