Bridget Sloan's foot not broken; Gators now waiting on MRI results
Monday, January 12, 2015 | Football, Gymnastics, Scott Carter
The Gators gymnastics team is awaiting MRI results on Bridget Sloan's injured right foot. (File photo)
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Junior All-American gymnast Bridget Sloan delivered the goods early in Florida's season-opening victory at Ball State on Sunday. Competing in her home state, the 2008 Olympian and 2009 all-around world champion posted a 9.95 on the uneven bars and later scored a perfect 10.0 on vault.
However, Sloan suffered an injury to her right foot on her last tumbling pass during floor exercise and immediately needed medical attention. The injury forced Sloan to skip the beam event, the meet's final rotation, and cast a big question mark over the two-time defending national champion Gators as they move forward.
On Monday Florida head coach Rhonda Faehn said X-rays revealed that Sloan did not break her foot.
"There is no fracture, so that is great news,'' Faehn said. "Hopefully it's just a bump in the road and we're able to get past it."
Sloan was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday evening to determine if there is any ligament or tendon damage to the foot. The Gators expect to know Tuesday the results of the MRI and have a better idea about Sloan's timetable to return.
The Gators host Auburn in their home opener Friday night starting at 6:45, the new start time for home meets this season.
It was challenging for the team [to see her get hurt]. They were rattled. I tried as hard as I could to get them together."
Sloan wasn't the only Gator injured Sunday. Senior Jamie Shisler suffered an Achilles tendon injury and will miss the season, Faehn said. Shisler was scheduled to perform during the exhibition period Sunday but was injuring during warm-ups.
