Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

ADAM COON

Wrestling has been a huge part of my life since I was four years old, rarely taking a break. When I was told that I would need surgery to repair my shoulder and it would be a long recovery, I was upset and very nervous.

Since starting college, I have been having shoulder issues. In the past, I would rehab it with the help of my athletic trainer until the pain would subside. This became a cycle. As the cycle continued, I thought I had a new normal-- rehab, get better, rehab, get better, until the rehab wasn't working.

In 2016, I had a great opportunity to make the Olympic team. I fell just short by placing second. I was, however, afforded the opportunity to go as a workout partner. I jumped right back into training with the goal being the best workout partner that I could be.

My shoulder, however, started acting up. I got an MRI. I found out that I had torn my labrum and would need surgery. Not only was I out for the Olympics, but I would also have to redshirt this whole next year.

I sat at home in pain, watching the Olympics on the TV. I was constantly reminded that I couldn't wrestle or workout with the team. Being on the side was difficult, feeling like I couldn't help my teammates, or that I was falling behind in the sport that had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember. I just wanted to get back on the mat, wrestling, doing what I loved.

Being told to take it slow added to the frustration. When I was allowed to run, I sprinted. When I was allowed to lift, I lowered the bars. When I was allowed to drill, I went as hard as possible. Rather than taking it slow and letting my body heal, I rushed into everything and ended up having to take unnecessary days off due to my impatience.

Taking it easy made me feel like I was taking the easy way out. It took me a while to accept that I was injured and that I was not currently able to do the things that I could before. Once I could accept the process, it got easier.

I am now one year past my surgery, and I feel great. Once I took the process slow and listened to my body, understanding what it could and couldn't handle, things got easier. I learned I only need to worry about myself and not compare myself to others. Watching your teammates, seeing changes, it's hard not to question or compare to how they are doing. Learning to focus on myself, my recovery, and my career helped me embrace the temporary lifestyle of my injury and allowed me to become more rejuvenated and energised. My excitement is back fully, and I cannot wait to get back in the competition.

KATLYN HAYCOCK

You're not just an athlete.

MIKE FAVRE

Asking for help is a sign of strength.

WARDE MANUEL

You perform best when you're physically and mentally healthy.