For Buckeye fans, there was a name that was synonymous with grit and grace in the Ohio State women’s gymnastics program. As a sophomore in 2024, she competed in nine meets, dazzling crowds with her performances on vault and floor exercises. Her academic prowess earned her Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023, proving she was a force both in the gym and the classroom. Yet, in a heartbreaking turn, Mallory Gregory recently made a big decision and dropped an unfortunate message for fans. A decision that has left fans reeling. What led to this pivotal moment in her career?
In a poignant social media post, planetofgymnastics shared the physical and emotional journey that culminated in her medical retirement. “For those who may not know, a year and a half ago I made the decision to get my wrist fixed which resulted in a 6-inch plate and 7 screws being placed in my forearm,” she wrote.
“Over time my body started to reject the hardware, making it hard for me to be an athlete and live the life the Lord has called me to live.” After the 2024 season, she made the gut-wrenching choice to remove the hardware to live pain-free, leading to her retirement: “As a result, I have decided to medically retire.” Her words resonate with raw honesty, but how do they reflect the strength that defined her journey?
Ohio State’s Mallory Gregory announces medical retirement pic.twitter.com/Gkks8UPIca
— planetofgymnastics (@planetofgym) April 16, 2025
Gregory’s announcement is a testament to her resilience and unshakable faith, marking the end of a remarkable athletic chapter. Despite the pain and complications from her surgery, she competed through her final season, a feat she credits to her support system. “To my coaches. Thank you for believing in me when I was struggling to believe in myself. Without your trust, I would have not had the opportunity to compete this season,” she expressed. For Buckeye fans, her courage shines as brightly as her routines. But what about the community that lifted her up?
Her gratitude extended to her family and the Ohio State community, who were pillars of support. “To my family. I could have never gotten this far in my career without the sacrifices that you have made. I am so blessed to be a Gregory,” she wrote. She also celebrated her Buckeye family: “To my OSU family. You are the ones that were there to lift me up on my hardest days. I am forever grateful.” These words paint a picture of a tight-knit community that fueled her drive. How did she reflect on her childhood dreams?
Perhaps the most touching part of Gregory’s message was her letter to her younger self, a reminder of the dreams she chased and achieved. “You accomplished every goal that you ever wanted in the sport. You would be in awe of all the things you have accomplished and the lives you were able to impact. I am forever proud of you,” she wrote. This reflection encapsulates a journey of triumph over adversity, a story that resonates with every fan who’s cheered her on. What legacy does she leave behind?
Legacy Gregory leaves behind and the impact on Ohio going ahead
Mallory Gregory’s medical retirement leaves a palpable void in the Ohio State women’s gymnastics program, where her presence was a spark of inspiration. Her contributions on vault and floor were vital, and her academic honors in 2023 showcased her as a role model. Her departure challenges the Buckeyes to fill not just her scores but her uplifting spirit, as she noted her OSU family “always brought out the best in me.” Fans and teammates now rally to honor her by carrying forward her resilience. How will the team channel her energy moving forward?
As Gregory steps away from the sport, her final words, “FOREVER GO BUCKS!” echo as a rallying cry for the Ohio State faithful. Her journey—from a determined young gymnast to a resilient Buckeye who faced immense challenges with faith and courage—will inspire fans and teammates alike.
“To the little girl that fell in love with gymnastics… YOU DID IT,” While her competitive days are over, her impact on the program and the lives she touched endures. For Buckeye Nation, Mallory Gregory’s story is one of heart, hustle, and an unbreakable spirit. How will her legacy continue to shape the future of Ohio State gymnastics? What new heights will her example propel the Buckeyes to reach?
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