Maddy Osman - Michigan Gymnastics
“I started gymnastics when I was 2 years old! So, over 20 years of my life has been devoted to this sport and I would not change anything for the world. My mom first put me in classes because I was very strong as a baby. At 8 months, I was already able to walk and at 9 months old, I could crawl out of my own crib with ease. Because of this, my mom thought I was destined to be a gymnast, and boy was she right!”
“My freshman/sophomore year of high school, my mom battled breast cancer which was very emotional for me and my family. She is a fighter, and I am so proud to say today that my mom is 5 years cancer free! She is my rock, and inspiration every day to be the best athlete, student, and person that I could be.”
“My time at the University of Michigan was so special, and I am so blessed that I was able to be a gymnast there for my 4 years. In my college career, I unfortunately faced adversity due to unpredictable and fluke injuries. My freshman year I had a crash in the gym that sidelined me for the rest of the season. My sophomore year, I had an amazing pre-season of training and was ready for redemption on the competition floor, but sadly I endured a season ending LCL tear in my knee. Once again I was absolutely devastated, but I knew that my role was going to change, and I had to give 110% to each of my teammates inside and outside of the gym. I also pushed myself academically, and grew to understand that I am more than just a gymnast.”
“My junior year was magical, as it served as my breakout year in a way. I was able to compete again on beam, floor, and vault! I also hit 12 beam routines in a row including my performance at nationals that year. I ended up as an All-American on this event which is one of the most special moments for me of my career. I understood the importance of perseverance and dedication to my team, and this taught me to never back down.”
“For my senior year, I was so incredibly honored to be voted captain. My role as captain was so important to me, as it showed me that my teammates saw me as a strong leader, that my dedication and devotion to the team was evident, and that everyone believed in me. In late December, I had a fluke accident on vault, which resulted in a serious neck injury that sadly ended my career. I was sad, in shock, confused, and angry.”
“From there, I chose not to dwell on what happened and be sad. Instead, I chose to rise above my injury and challenge myself to bring every ounce of energy I had to helping my teammates be the best they could be. Even though I was the senior and captain who ended up in a neck brace for the majority of the season, I wanted to be an inspiration despite my bad luck and serious injury, and prove that nothing could break me. My teammates became my priority, as well as my academics. I averaged a 3.96 GPA for my last 2 semesters, and despite my injury, I proved to myself that I am a great leader and student.”
“The cancellation of the season after all I’d been through was unbelievably heartbreaking. My team was on the way to doing big things at nationals, as we had just experienced a program record breaking 197.950 at our Big 5 meet, and became Regular Season Champions. I am still coping with the situation, especially since I did not get to say goodbye to any of my teammates when this all happened.”
“As they say, time heals all and I know this is not officially goodbye from team 44! I am very happy to say that my neck is much, much better and that I am happy to be active again. Thank you to my amazing athletic trainer for helping me get healthy again! Though I am done with gymnastics, I am forever thankful for everything I have learned, my mental toughness, my boost in personal confidence, and for all the lifelong friendships.”
“For any athletes out there who are struggling with an injury or any tough time in your career, I will simply say never give up and don’t forget to live in the present moment. YOU are your best self-advocate. Everything you need is inside of you, just dare to believe it!”
