USA Gymnastics confirms LSU's Konnor McClain tears Achilles

Heartbreaking news coming out of Hartford, CT on Saturday night, as LSU gymnast Konnor McClain has torn her Achilles. USA Gymnastics confirmed the news after McClain was helped off the floor during the Core Hydration Classic.

Dana O’Neil of The Athletic was there, seeing McClain being helped off the floor. McClain later emerged back onto the field but was in crutches and her left leg was heavily bandaged. Not a great sign for what turned out to be a torn Achilles.

“Konnor McClain just came on to the arena floor on crutches, her left leg bandaged with what looks like a hard splint under her foot,” O’Neil said via X. “Not good…”

The Core Hydration Classic had five gymnasts competing, with Simone Biles winning the event. It’s right before competing for the right to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

McClain was certainly competing with some of the world’s best. Instead, she will now begin the road to recovery and try to get back as soon as possible.

Konnor McClain to return to LSU for fifth season of college gymnastics

The height of McClain’s time as a gymnast may have come in recent weeks, winning a national championship with LSU. It was the program’s first-ever championship after making two other Four on the Floors during 2019 and 2023.

McClain still had a year of eligibility and announced she would return to Baton Rouge for another run with the Tigers.

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