SALT LAKE CITY — As Red Rocks gymnast Clara Raposo went through her floor routine during a meet at UCLA last week, all was going well until her final tumbling pass.
The sophomore gymnast suddenly fell to all fours and couldn't seemingly move, halting her routine just seconds before it was supposed to conclude. It was clear Raposo had suffered a serious injury.
With the help of the training staff, Raposo was eventually helped up and briefly evaluated before having a large ice pack wrapped around her right knee. But the gymnast was able to stand and walk — albeit in a limited capacity — with her fellow gymnasts.
Late Friday, Raposo announced on Instagram that she had re-torn her right ACL for the third time and had already had surgery hours earlier.
"I don't fully have the words yet for how I'm feeling or what's ahead, but I wanted to update everyone who's been reaching out and checking in," she posted. "It truly means so much to me.
"I'm incredibly grateful to have an amazing surgeon, staff, family and friends that will support me every step of the way," she added. "For now, I'll be the biggest cheerleader Utah gymnastics has ever had and the best teammate I can be! But don't worry, I'll be back. Thank you to everyone who has sent love and positivity. I feel it more than you know."
After a prior injury, Raposo was held out of competition last season during her freshman year. During her sophomore season, Raposo often mixed in on various events but was utilized more as a depth piece on the team.
While a blow to the team going into postseason play in terms of depth, Red Rocks head coach Carly Dockendorf said it shouldn't impact the lineups.
"It does for our backup positions, because that's kind of where Clara was — she was the No. 7 position — and obviously she stepped in this week, which was great, because we had a lot of people out with illness. But, I mean, just in terms of an actual lineup spot, she was our No. 7."
The Red Rocks will compete Saturday (5 p.m. MDT, ESPN+) at the Maverik Center as part of the Big 12 championship meet.
