LSU gymnast Konnor McClain carried off floor during warm-ups at Core Hydration Classic

LSU gymnast Konnor McClain had to be helped off the floor ahead of Saturday’s Core Hydration Classic, according to The Athletic’s Dana O’Neil. She later withdrew with an Achilles injury, per the broadcast.

McClain was preparing for the floor routine after posting a 14.2 on the balance beam at the event. It’s unclear the extent of her injury.

McClain is coming off her freshman season in the All-Around at LSU and helped the Tigers to a national championship. She put together multiple impressive performances, including at the SEC Championships, where she recorded one of her two 10.0s on the balance beam.

LSU brought home its first-ever national championship last month with a team score of 198.225 to beat out Cal, Utah and Florida. That effort was led by SEC Gymnast of the Year Haleigh Bryant, who won the all-around title with a score of 39.7125.

Bryant had a fifth year of eligibility remaining thanks to the COVID-19 waiver, and after winning the championship, announced her plans to run it back.

“Dear gymnastics, the sport has been a part of my life 20 years now,” Bryant said. “Every practice, every competition, every moment has shaped me into the person I am today. First I want to thank my family for always supporting me and sacrificing so much to make sure I lived out my dreams. My teammates, thank you for being my sisters and always having my back. i will cherish our memories forever.

“Thank you to Jay [Clark] and the coaching staff for always trusting me and always believing in me and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Competing in the PMAC every Friday night has been a dream come true. Nothing compares to the joy I have competing in the purple and gold. So the answer to the question you’ve all been waiting for, I am back for Year 5.”

Bryant’s return is huge for the Tigers, and it adds to the confidence Clark has in his group as it looks to defend its title.

“I feel really good about the team we have coming back next year,” Clark said. “Their role will continue to increase and get more and more. I think they’re tremendous, but I feel incredibly optimistic about what we have coming back and the freshman class that’s coming in. I’m excited.”

Bryant is one of a handful of LSU gymnasts who with the option to return next year, along with Kiya Johnson and Livvy Dunne.