Back in June, the gymnastics world was left kinda shell-shocked. Oklahoma gymnastics hit the jackpot — landing not one, but two five-star recruits from the class of 2026. One of them? Sofia Estrada, who topped the charts with an all-around score of 88. But the other name? Not far behind at all. With 82 all-around points, the 17-year-old looked sharp — and it wasn’t just about keeping up with the pack. Oklahoma actually signed her way back in 2024, right after she cracked the national team in 2023. And guess who she joined on that squad? Jade Carey, Kaliya Lincoln, Zoe Miller… yeah, big names. But, but, but…
Back in 2023, Evey Lowe made the Pan American Games team as an alternate — and the squad brought home gold. Not bad, right? Then the next year, she made the team for the Jesolo Trophy, where they finished third. Last year, the Blue Springs native gave it her all at the US Olympic gymnastics trials in Minneapolis. Sadly, she didn’t make the national team. Still, the gymnastics community believed in her — the talent was clear. But now? With the US Classic coming up this month, Evey’s just dropped a heartbreaking update.
On July 16, Evey Lowe shared the update herself on Instagram. She posted two pics — one of her lying in a hospital bed, the other sitting on a chair — both times flashing a thumbs up. But yeah, her feet were all bandaged up. So, what happened? In the caption, Evey explained, “Just had surgery on both feet. Due to an extra bone in both feet that restricted my movement and ability to perform the way that I would like to, I decided to take the [bone] out.” Then came the tough part — “Unfortunately I won’t be competing for the rest of the season. This definitely isn’t how I imagined this year going, but I know it’s what I need to come back stronger, healthier, and better than ever.”
Credit: Instagram/ Evey Lowe
So while the gymnastics world gets ready to lock in on the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on July 18 and 19, Evey Lowe will have to watch the action from her screen. And yeah, fans are pretty heartbroken about it. One fan dropped a sweet comment: “you are so strong evey. so proud of you and everything your going to accomplish. Sending prayers your way sweet girl .” But hey, speaking of accomplishments — Evey still made some big moves this year. At the 2025 Winter Cup, she snagged a silver on floor and grabbed bronze on vault.
But yeah, with this surgery, Evey Lowe’s officially out of all the elite comps this season. Which also means her shot at making Team USA for the Jakarta Worlds is off the table. A tough break for someone chasing big dreams in elite gymnastics. Still, Evey’s got a ton of support around her — and her well-wishers aren’t holding back from sending love her way.
The gymnastics community gives warmth to the talent in her bad days
Zoey Molomo was quick to slide into the comments with some love, writing, “i love you so much!! praying for you! always here if you need me.” And if you’ve been keeping track — Zoey’s been on her own recovery journey too. Back on April 11, Zoey shared on Instagram that a bad vault landing in practice left her with a serious ACL injury. Surgery came next, and rehab’s been the grind ever since. But Zoey wasn’t the only one showing up for Evey. Hezly Rivera — yep, the Olympic champ — also sent her prayers: “praying for you evey love you so so much!!” Evey made sure to reply to both, showing the love right back.
Credit: Instagram/ Evey Lowe
And when we’re talking Olympians, Leanne Wong joined in too, dropping, “prayers for a speedy recovery! .” Speaking of Wong — will we see her at the 2025 US Classic? You bet. She’ll be there alongside Hezly and Tiana Sumanasekera, who also wished Evey well, saying, “wishing you a super speedy recovery !! sending my love .” With Hezly and Wong, Tiana will also compete in the 2025 US Classic. Meanwhile, the Instagram handle of US Gymnastics penned, “can’t wait to see you back out there! you got this! ” The support is real — and everyone’s rooting for Evey’s comeback.
The post Gymnastics Community Sends Prayers as 17-Year-Old Shares Devastating Update Shortly Before U.S. Classic appeared first on EssentiallySports.
