Auburn fans have hit quite a rough patch recently. Currently, the university ranks at no.12 on the RoadtoNationals standings with an average score of 196.610. They would need all of their star gymnasts in full attendance to rise the rankings. But alas! Auburn University’s star gymnast and future physician, who had been a key force on the mat has faced a grave setback. A devastating injury has changed everything. But amid all the heartbreak, there is a silver lining. A gymnastics legend stepped in with a powerful message, solidifying her impact beyond the sport.

Olivia Hollingsworth, the fifth-year senior of the Auburn gymnastics team, is a star performer. Her previous NCAA seasons testify to that. Her career has seen impressive highs, including an all-around score of 39.500 in 2023 and 2024, against Penn State and Kentucky respectively. Unfortunately, her final year has been cut short by a grave injury.“I just wanted to thank everyone for all the love and support over the past few days and to share that I ruptured my Achilles during Friday’s competition.”

Although her fans are devastated, the 23-year-old is excited to cheer for her teammates for the remainder of the season. The team’s wonderful chemistry is evident from the post itself, “We are so capable of so much together and we’re just getting started”. Her positivity is infectious! Many other Auburn gymnasts such as Katyln Jong, Sara Zois, Sophia Groth, and Olivia Greaves, flooded the comment section with admiration and support. But there was one comment that stood out from the rest. It was by none other than Kathy Johnson Clarke. 

Retired ABC/ESPN commentator and Olympic medalist Kathy Johnson Clarke commented, “Sending love and good wishes for a full and quick-as-possible recovery! It was a pleasure covering so much of your college career! You have been a gift to NCAA Gymnastics and Auburn, of course! Godspeed and War Eagle!” It’s a huge honor to receive such love from a gymnastics legend such as Clarke. After all, her performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics was nothing short of extraordinary. She won a bronze medal on the balance beam and a silver in the Team all-around event.

Hollingsworth under-rotated on a floor pass during last Friday’s team’s game against Kentucky. She was unable to complete her routine. She competed on bars in Auburn’s face-off against Kentucky and scored a strong 9.800 before being hurt on the floor. The question arises: now that gymnastics is off the table, what does the future hold for the 23-year-old?

Olivia Hollingsworth’s journey on the mat and what the future holds for her

Olivia Hollingsworth has a remarkable career to look back upon. Since her debut, she has established herself as one of the brightest NCAA stars. Over the years, she has delivered many dazzling performances. She scored 9.9 on the vault at Auburn vs. Alabama in 2024 and repeated the score on the beam at Auburn’s showdown with Florida in 2022 and again with Missouri in 2024. How did the gymnastics bug get to her anyway?

Olivia wanted to attempt gymnastics after seeing it on TV. When she was four, her mother signed her up for recreational gymnastics, and success followed soon after. Olivia trained under instructor James Holmes at Acrofit in Kemah, Texas, during the start of her gymnastics career. Olivia won a silver medal on the balancing beam at the 2009 State Championships as a level 5 gymnast. She finished third in the Level 6 State Championships’ floor exercise competition in 2010. Olivia had a fantastic level 7 season in 2011, finishing second in the all-around competition at the State Championships with a score of 38.375. She also finished third in the floor exercise and second in the vault. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. But what would she do, if not gymnastics?

Well, the 23-year-old has an equally ambitious plan on the side. Hollingsworth graduated in May 2024 with her degree in biomedical sciences from the College of Sciences and Mathematics and plans to pursue medical school. A woman in STEM who is also a star gymnast? she is undoubtedly one of the best out there.

While her injury may have altered her gymnastics path, it has not derailed her ambitions. Whether she continues contributing to the sport in a different capacity or pursues a career in medicine, Hollingsworth’s dedication and passion will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.