LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, July 13, 2011: On Monday’s rehearsal, gymnast Christel Carnevali from France fell during a lift. After spending all night at the hospital in Lausanne she had the confirmation that her left arm was broken. With her arm on a cast, she joined her teammates early morning on Tuesday to modify the choreography for the 10:40 am presentation. Christel would only be able to participate in some parts of the presentation, the ones that did not require any strength from her left arm.
During the presentation, she sat out on the side of the stage waiting for the right moment that she could jump in to complete her team. She was even able to lend a “hand” for a lift of her teammates. After the presentation, she expressed with teary eyes about her experience and frustration. She has been practicing gymnastic for 15 years and the past 2 years with the group Kingersheim/ CT Gym Toulouse specially for the 2011 edition of World . Gymnaestrada. After this event she is retiring, with a bitter sweet feeling. But she is not letting any broken arm ruin her experience in Lausanne. She still has three more presentations to complete this week, in which she will be greeted by the warm encouragement of her peers and spectators.
Another story of overcoming injuries is of the Portuguese gymnast Carlota Cunha. It was not until two weeks ago that she received the go ahead to participate in the 2011 World Gymnaestrada. She has injured her right ankle and has not been able to practice for several weeks. Despite the injury, she has joined her team Sporting Club Portugal in Lausanne. She is enjoying herself during the event and said that the pain is well worth it.
Before her presentation, the coach Catia Correia made sure her ankle is perfectly immobilized to avoid any further damage. Carlota was able to perform all the exercise as planned, which makes it easier for her team. During the presentation her energy and big smile were contagious. Seeing her performance, one would not imagine the pain that she has been through. It is athletes like Christen and Carlota that brings the true spirit of World Gymnaestrada to life showing that participation is the main objective.
http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vcontent/content/news/0,10869,5249-203941-221164-48942-314144-news-item,00.html
Not only are the stories, the people and the scenes you write about inspiring but you are as well, in your depiction of them. I am so proud of the way you just literally melt into the occasion and make it your own in a very special fashion!
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