Aliya Mustafina Returns to Competition

The Gymnastics Examiner is reporting that 2010 World All Around Champion Aliya Mustafina of Russia will make her comeback to competition on bars and beam at this weekend's Stuttgart World Cup.

Mustafina tore her ACL tendon while performing her 2.5 twisting yurchenko during the 2011 European Championships in April. Only seven months have passed and she has been cleared for competition by Dr. Michael Strobel, the Munich surgeon who performed her surgery.

Before European Championships, the most recent major competition for Mustafina was the March 2011 American Cup where she was upset by soon-to-be World all around Champion Jordyn Wieber.

Check out Mustafina's uneven bar routine from prelims at the 2011 European Championships:

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While I am excited to see what possible upgrades she may have added to this already amazing bar routine, I am worried that this comeback is premature with the 2012 Olympic Games less than a year away. What do you think, is too soon for Mustafina to return to competition?

5 comments

Simona 2 years ago

I think she will pull it off. You'll be amazed on what a strong mind can do.

Megan 2 years ago

I'm another one who's torn an ACL so I get it. I personally can't imagine coming back in 7 months, but every injury is different. I wish Mustafina the best. I think London 2012 is going to be very exciting with her in the mix, and my fingers are crossed that she stays healthy for that competition.

That said, this early return makes me a little nervous.

Anonymous Coward 2 years ago

Having torn my ACL twice it does seem a little pre-mature. but since she will be swinging bars and doing beam seems like she is starting off on the right foot. but i don't think she will be 100% by Olympics to compete the all-around. And I dont think we will be seeing that Amanar any time soon.

Parse 2 years ago

It does seem early, but I'm not a doctor let alone *her* doctor, so I'm in no position to judge. I'll just say hope her team of doctors & coaches are taking all appropriate precausions and are particularly careful with twisting skills & technique.

London will be much more interesting with her there and able to compete to her potential.

M 2 years ago

Uuh.. I feel the same way, this comeback does seem premature.

Aliya Mustafina Returns to Competition

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