Salt Lake City - A Tough Break for Clara Raposo and the Red Rocks
In a heart-stopping moment at UCLA, Red Rocks gymnast Clara Raposo faced a significant setback during her floor routine. Everything seemed on track until her final tumbling pass, when she suddenly dropped to all fours, unable to move. The scene was a clear indication of a serious injury.
Raposo, a sophomore, was assisted by the training staff and, after a brief evaluation, had a hefty ice pack wrapped around her right knee. Despite the injury, she managed to stand and walk, albeit with some difficulty, supported by her teammates.
Late Friday, Raposo took to Instagram to share the tough news: she had re-torn her right ACL for the third time and had already undergone surgery. Her post was heartfelt, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“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 wrote. “It truly means so much to me.”
Raposo’s determination shines through as she plans to be the team’s biggest cheerleader. “I’m incredibly grateful to have an amazing surgeon, staff, family, and friends that will support me every step of the way,” she added. “But don’t worry, I’ll be back.”
Raposo’s journey has been challenging. After a previous injury sidelined her during her freshman year, she returned this season to contribute as a depth piece for the Red Rocks. Her absence is a blow to the team’s depth as they head into postseason play, but head coach Carly Dockendorf remains optimistic.
“It does affect our backup positions, because that’s kind of where Clara was - she was the No. 7 position,” Dockendorf explained. “She stepped in this week, which was great, because we had a lot of people out with illness.
But, in terms of an actual lineup spot, she was our No. 7.”
The Red Rocks are gearing up for the Big 12 championship meet at the Maverik Center on Saturday. With Raposo’s spirit and resilience, the team is sure to feel her presence, even from the sidelines.