Avery Neff Makes Stunning Comeback After Severe Ankle Injuries

The Utah Red Rocks freshman returned to competition on uneven bars just three weeks after spraining both ankles in a dramatic fall.

Avery Neff, the nation’s former No. 1 gymnastics recruit, returned to compete on uneven bars after suffering severe ankle sprains on January 17 during a floor routine.
Her injury initially seemed season-ending, with Neff relying on soft casts and a scooter for mobility in the weeks following the incident.
Through intensive rehab and a mindset shift encouraged by Utah’s coaching staff, Neff achieved her goal of returning for the Red Rocks’ alumni night meet against Arizona.
Neff scored a 9.825 on uneven bars in her first routine back, helping No. 4 Utah secure a victory over No. 19 Arizona with a team score of 197.675-196.125.
While her return has inspired fans, some in the gymnastics community are concerned about the risks of re-injury given the quick recovery timeline.