Alabama senior gymnast Mackenzie Brannan ruptured her Achilles tendon during Sunday’s practice and will be out for the rest of the season, ending her career, The Tuscaloosa News has learned. The All-American will undergo an MRI on Monday morning to confirm the initial diagnosis. Surgery has already been scheduled for Wednesday.
“Today’s injury is unfortunately one of those things that happens in sports,” Brannan said. “I was practicing my floor routine when it happened, working to get out there on another event.”
Brannan has competed in all but one of Alabama’s meets this season on the uneven bars. The only meet she missed was the opener due to being ill. She most recently posted a season-high 9.925 last weekend against Kentucky in Coleman Coliseum.
The Austin, Texas, native has a career-high 39.575 all-around score. Her other career highs consists of a 9.95 on vault, a 9.85 on the balance beam, a 9.925 on the floor exercise and a 9.975 on bars. She was the 2016 SEC vault champion and 2016 NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional uneven bars champion.
“While no one wants to end their competitive career like this, I have no regret.” Brannan said. “I am thankful for the support of my teammates and coaches and will be back cheering my sisters on as soon as possible.”
Alabama competes at Auburn on Friday. There are four regular-season meets left before postseason starts with SEC Championships in St. Louis.
Update: Brannan shared her news on social media later Sunday night.
