Champion gymnasts Chris Remkes, Clay Stephens return to World Cup less than a year after serious knee injuries
A Commonwealth Games gold medallist and a fellow champion athlete have both returned to world-class sport at the same time, less than 12 months after suffering ACL injuries. And one is still in the mix for Tokyo.
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Two South-Australian world-class gymnasts have made a stunning return to competition less than 12 months since both suffered serious knee injuries last March – a day apart, in different competitions and different countries.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Chris Remkes and Clay Stephens, the latter who is based in the US, were both named in the Australian men’s artistic gymnastics team that will compete at the International Gymnastics Federation World Cup in Melbourne between February 20 and 23.
It is the duo’s first competition since rupturing their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) last year.
Remkes will compete in the pommel, but won’t be ready to be considered for Tokyo as the pommel involves upper-body movement and not the legwork needed for his normal routine, the vault.
But Stephens is rolling the dice for Tokyo, the World Cup being a key event before the final selection for the Olympics at the Oceania titles in New Zealand in April.
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Stephens said he had his fingers crossed to get through the cup unscathed.
“I can’t wait. The Melbourne World Cup, for me, is mainly to dust off the cobwebs,” he said.
“I had the surgery in April and thought that was me done for a while.
“But I love that I can continue to learn new things about how to be a stronger gymnast.
“I’m excited for the road ahead.
“There are probably four of us going for one place for the Olympics but I’m keen to have a go.
“This will be good to get this under the belt.
“To be able to make my international comeback just 10 months after my second ACL reconstruction is something I am very proud of.’’
For Remkes, based in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport, it has been a gradual build up, although Tokyo is not in the frame.
“We had trials last week and I only trialled for pommel, but it turned out good to make the team,” Remkes said.
“I’m feeling pretty good.
“Training has been consistent recently, so I’m happy with that.’’
More than 40 countries and 100 athletes will take part in the World Cup, which is one of the final qualifying events for the Tokyo Olympics.