Matty Rogers has changed her sights from the 2024 Paris Olympics in August to the Bahrain World Championships in December after suffering “soul-crushing” pain.
Rodgers, who lifted the barbell at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, announced his decision on social media, saying he will not lift the barbell during March to focus on regional and national competitions until he is ready for the 2024 World Championships. He said he intended to do so.
[Related: Watch 19-Year-Old World Record Holder Karlos Nasar Squat 280KG (617.2LB)]
What is Rodgers' injury?
Roger said in a statement on Instagram that this is a nerve-related injury that causes stabbing pain and loss of sensation in the leg. She has been battling injuries “for the past few months.”
Rogers, 28, withdrew from the most recent Olympic qualifier in Sofia, Bulgaria, last month after weigh-in, and was not entered for the Olympic qualifier in Qatar in December.
Mr. Rogers' femoral cutaneous nerve “looks like a twisted hose,” he said. It's part of a “neural network that connects the spinal cord in the lower back with motor and sensory nerves in the legs,” the Johns Hopkins University website explains. “This is a purely sensory nerve; no muscles work.”
In a March 11, 2024 Instagram post, Rodgers said:
“Lifting was an absolute nightmare. It felt like my entire leg was blacked out and stabbed at the same time. I feel like I'm good at pushing through pain, for better or for worse. However, you cannot push through a body that is no longer functioning properly. This injury is nerve related, so my body physically cannot move. And it's just soul crushing.“
“I know I've done everything I can to get through this. But unfortunately, no matter how many Band-Aids you put on, they don't last long.”
“This month I'm stepping away from the barbell and doing some fun, pain-free activities to keep my body moving and dabbling in (large scale) CrossFit a few times a week.“
“Mentally, it's going to take a while to recover. Physically, I'm already on the road to recovery. And I'm grateful for that. I can't wait to get back.”
out of the race to Paris
The 2024 IWF World Cup, to be held in Phuket, Thailand from March 31 to April 11, 2024, is the final tournament of the 2024 Olympic qualification. This is mandatory and means athletes who do not participate will not be able to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled for August 7-11, 2024. Rogers was one of the final entries in the 81KG category, but he will not compete.
Rodgers said on Instagram.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that I am officially withdrawing my remaining Olympic berth. (The injury) has gotten to the point where it's interfering with my training and it's not safe to put the weight I need on my body…This injury is something you will definitely get over, it will take time, but time is the best. is. The last one I have now. ”
“If this had been earlier in the certification process and we had had time to recover, the story would have been very different.”
“I have no idea how long it will take me to overcome the mental effects of this decision, but I do know that this is the absolute best decision for my body.”
“Ever since I started competing internationally in 2014, I have never taken more than a week or two off from regular intense training. I have not had an off-season for 10 consecutive years. Every year I prepare for multiple high-stakes contests. 10 years. I can't even begin to imagine how much good getting real rest does for my body.”
“When I come back, it could be a defining time in my career where I can be the best athlete ever.”
In the four qualifiers she lifted, Rogers placed second at the 2022 World Championships (76kg), fourth at the 2023 Pan American Championships, fifth at the 2023 Grand Prix in Cuba, and 2023 at the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. He took 4th place at the World Championships. Last September. She posted her best effort in Riyadh, scoring 112-140-252.
Rogers placed sixth in the 87kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite weighing just 78.55kg. The American spot in the 76KG class was taken by Kate Vibert, who took home the silver medal. There was no 81KG class in Tokyo.
[Related: 2024 Pan American Weightlifting Championships Full Results]
Women's 81 qualifying photosKG
It wasn't very likely that Rogers would finish high enough in the IWF rankings to earn one of the three spots on Team USA for women's lifters. She was 10th on the list with a best total of 252 kg, and had she maintained that position she would have been eligible for selection.
If Vibert had passed her in the tie and finished in the top 10, the 81KG Vibert would have been Team USA's first choice. Vibert's previous record was 247 kg. Vibert moved up her weight class from the 71kg weight class, where she has no realistic chance of catching up to teammate Olivia Reeves, who ranks second in the 262kg weight class.
Being in the top 10 does not guarantee selection. Jourdan Delacruz placed 4th with a weight of 49kg in the 200kg, the same total as Mirabai Chanu (India) in 2nd place and Sulochana Kambao (Thailand) in 3rd place.
Reeves weighs 71kg and is a sure bet to be selected if he is suitable. In the women's super heavyweight division, Mary Theisen-Lappen is in fifth place, within 4km of Emily Campbell (Britain) in third place. Sara Robles is only 1km behind her in her extended rankings.
Rogers' best total was 13kg lower than the third-place lifter's 81kg. From all known form, the top finishers between Reaves, Delacruz, and Theisen Lappen and Robles will be the three chosen for Team USA.
Rogers becomes the second U.S. team member to withdraw from the qualifying program. Haley Reichardt lost 49KG in January to take a “mental break.”
Disclaimer: Brian Oliver is an independent correspondent for: bar bend. The views and opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect his own. Oliver is not directly affiliated with any of the following: “Barbend”Existing media partnerships.
Editor's note: bar bend Official media partner American weightlifting. The two organizations maintain editorial independence unless otherwise stated.
Featured image: @mattierogersoly on instagram
