4 top Female Athletes Who returned From Injuries to great Success
We've talked a lot here about great athletes who have successfully returned from major shoulder and knee surgeries to achieve great things upon the fields of friendly strife.
Today, let's shift focus to the ladies.
These 4 superstars have captured our hearts, minds, and imaginations by reaching the absolute heights of their sport.
And they've done it after returning from a major injury, either ascending to greatness, or, in some cases, re-claiming their place at the top of the pantheon.
1. Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan has become one of the most recognizable stars for the perennial champion U.S. Women's Soccer team.
Blessed with fluid athleticism and a deft touch while starring in the high-profile, high-pressure position of STRIKER, Alex has been at the front of the attack for the National Team for several years now, and she has been the "face" of U.S. Soccer for years. In fact, Alex probably the most recognizable player across men's and women's soccer.
Although teams from other countries are catching up to the U.S. in terms of talent and training, Alex was still able to help America to the coveted World Cup trophy in both 2015 and 2019. Not only that, but Alex is also one of the top players in the National Women's soccer league. And to top it off, after her latest World Cup Victory, she shrugged off a crowded field of fantastic female athletes to win the "Best Female Athlete" award at the ESPY's.
Like many high-level athletes, Alex has dealt with her fair share of injuries, including ankle troubles, a knee contusion, MCL sprain, and, most recently, a hamstring injury. But her most "heavy" injury was an ACL tear, suffered while she was a senior in high school.
Alex bounced back quickly from the injury and continued her trajectory towards greatness. After a successful surgery and rehab, she was back on the field within five months.
In this day and age, it's possible to bounce back from a significant knee injury and continue to play at a high level. If you are coping with an injury, Alex is an excellent example for you. Keep working, keep striving, and keep doing the activities you love.
2. Maria sharapova
One of women's professional tennis biggest stars for years, Sharapova is blessed with a scintillating blend of skill, precision, and talent. But like the other athletes on this list, she suffered a significant injury earlier in her career.
For Sharapova, the injury in question was a torn rotator cuff in 2008. Although recovery from this injury was relatively unheard of in professional tennis at the time, Sharapova was able to not only recover, but she also became the #1 ranked player in the world a mere three years after the injury.
Another fun fact for all the ladies striving for a career in sports: Sharapova is third all-time in prize money winnings, trailing only the dominant Williams Sisters. Throughout her career, Sharapova has made almost 40 million dollars in prize money.
Not bad at all!
3. Serena Williams
Speaking of tennis greats, how about the greatest women's player of all time, Serena Williams?
In 2015-2016, Williams had to deal with recurring shoulder and knee injuries. Nobody likes to deal with nagging injuries, but imagine being an athlete at the top of your game and suddenly having to drop out of tournaments because of injuries.
But you know how this story ends.
Serena returned and won the Australian Open in 2017 to set the record for grand slam singles titles.
Did you know that Serena has won titles in 4 decades? She won the recent 2020 ASB Classic, her first title after becoming a mother. When it comes to achieving greatness, it seems like nothing can slow Serena down.
She's as one of the world's most consistent & dominant athletes, and she's a great inspiration for young athletes who are dealing with injuries of their own, as well as those who want to keep doing the sports they love at a high level even as they age.
4. Sue Bird
One of the WNBA's most decorated players, Sue Bird has been an excellent ambassador for the league for an entire generation of fans, both on and off the court.
But she hasn’t been a stranger to major injuries, or from bouncing back to have success.
Between 2007-2013, Bird had four surgeries, including her knee, her hip labrum, and several on her nasal bone. Recently, Sue also dealt with a knee injury that kept her out of the Seattle Storm's early season (2017) games.
However, Bird returned with a flourish. She was named to her 10th & 11th WNBA All-Star and broke the league record for assists. She then led the Storm to the 2018 title.
Bird has also been a massive part of Team USA's success on the hardwood. She is a perfect 4 for 4 in the Olympic games, with four gold medals hanging on her mantlepiece.
When it comes to setting up her teammates for an easy bucket, nobody in history has done it better than Bird. Unfortunately, she had to have another knee surgery (this time to remove a "loose body" in her knee and missed most of the 2019 season.
Do you think Sue has another comeback in her? Whether she decides to return or not, she has had one of the most exceptional careers in basketball history.
Knee Injury Education For Female Athletes
Are you a female athlete dealing with a knee injury? For more tips and advice on the topic, visit Dr. Sterett’s site The Female ACL at www.thefemaleacl.com
