Lily Smith's season with Georgia gymnastics might not be over just yet. The junior, who broke a bone in her left foot during warm-ups before a meet at Kentucky on February 23, was initially thought to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
However, Smith revealed during the SEC Championship meet broadcast that a return could be on the cards if No. 6 Georgia makes it to the national championship.
The semifinals are set for April 16, with the finals on April 18 in Fort Worth. From the eight-team semifinals, the top four teams will advance.
Smith, when asked about her potential return, shared, “So, I think so. Perhaps, maybe on bars.
Just really taking it every day. Really focusing on treatment and doing everything I can to get better because we will be at national and I want to be there.”
Smith, tied for 20th nationally on bars with a season-high score of 9.95, was a first-team All-American on bars in 2024. Her prowess isn't limited to bars; she's also ranked second on floor, having scored a perfect 10.0 in a quad meet on January 30.
Even with Smith out, Georgia has closed the regular season on a high note. They posted a 198.075 at Elevate the Stage in Huntsville, Alabama, and clinched a narrow victory over No.
4 Alabama, 197.525-197.425, marking their first win in Tuscaloosa since 2006. If Smith can make her comeback, it could be a game-changer for Georgia's championship aspirations.