Monday Morning Boost #008 - Olympics Edition
Simone Biles' Calf Injury: How a Setback Didn't Derail a Gymnastics Legend's Performance
Well, Simone seems to have had about as successful of a week as even she could've expected. It was a big turnaround after the initial anxiety of aggravating a calf strain during warmups on day one of the Gymnastics Artistic Team All-Around Finals. She'd reportedly been having calf tightness for a couple of weeks leading up to the Paris games. Luckily, she was able to shake this off and put in an unmatched performance, helping the US team secure gold, adding to her individual gold medal collection, and reinforcing her status as the gymnastics GOAT.
Calf strains are a common injury among elite athletes and mere mortals alike. They're most frequently encountered in running, racquet sports, and basketball. Let’s take a minute to review the ins and outs of calf strains.
The back of the lower leg features two main calf muscles: the gastrocnemius, which gives the calf its shape and helps lift the heel, and the soleus, which supports stability and balance. These muscles connect to the heel via the Achilles tendon, forming the gastroc-soleus complex. During walking, this complex endures forces of 2 to 3 times bodyweight. This increases up to 5 to 7 times bodyweight during running or jumping!
A strain happens when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn. Muscle strains range from Grade 1, affecting just a few fibers, to Grade 3, which is a complete rupture. Healing can take from a few days to several months. Even mild strains should be followed by rehabilitation, as they have a high chance of recurring.
A calf that is strong enough and long enough is much less likely to get injured. Try this quick self-assessment for calf strength: Stand on one leg and lift the heel away from the ground, pushing through the ball of your foot. If you lift through full range 20 times, your calves are in pretty good shape. If not, time to get to work! Follow this up by hanging the heels off the edge of a step for 20-30 seconds for a quick stretch.
So next time you go for a brisk walk or see a world-class gymnast launching off the springboard, remember the gastroc-soleus complex is always at work, turning energy into motion. And please - add a couple minutes of calf stretching and strengthening into your fitness routine to help keep your calves happy and healthy!
Article We Like
One of the most enjoyable things about the Olympics is getting to know the athletes and their backstories. Suni Lee, a member of the US Women's Gymnastics Team, battled a kidney condition prior to competing in the Paris games. Here's a good article on her remarkable journey:
After kidney diseases, Suni Lee caps road back to Olympic podium
Quote We Like
“It was a year and a couple of weeks ago he was just starting to walk again. He said that’s a testament to the support system he’s had that he’s even here. Two-hour treatment days were normal. He said he set a little goal each day that he could reach. It was a slow process, but whatever happens, it is a triumph that he is here and wants to help his team win that medal.”
-Rich Lerner, NBC Sports, on Team USA men’s gymnast Brody Malone’s comeback after a serious knee injury in 2023
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