The American gymnast who suffered gruesome injuries during a complicated routine has undergone knee surgery, less than two months before her wedding.
Samatha Cerio, 22, was attempting a handspring double front flip at a regional competition on Friday, when she landed awkwardly, leaving her with career-ending injuries.
Her coach Jeff Graba confirmed that Ms Cerio had suffered multiple torn ligaments and dislocations of both knees, for which she underwent surgery on Monday afternoon.
"Sam is a fighter and is in great spirits," Mr Graba said of the Aubern University senior.
Ms Cerio took to Instagram on Sunday to announce her retirement from the sport.
In an emotional post, which has now received nearly 23,000 likes, she wrote: “After 18 years I am hanging up my grips and leaving the chalk behind.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the person that gymnastics has made me to become. It’s taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and dedication, just to name a few.
“It may not have ended the way I had planned, but nothing ever goes as planned.”
The 22-year-old also thanked her “Aubern family” for giving her the chance to do the sport that will “always be my first love”.
Ms Cerio will have seven weeks to recover before she walks down the aisle with fiance Trey Wood. The pair are due to marry in Fairhope, Alabama on June 1.
