Some people have it harder than others. But for this German gymnast, things are simply going from bad to worse. While other athletes are in their physical prime at 20, she has instead suffered more injuries than some do in a lifetime. But let this fool you, her talent on the mat has been undeniable from the start. Since showing her talent as a child, the Hamburg native has gone on to win the gold at the German National Championships. But instead of celebrations, what followed was heartbreak. Why? Well, she had to pull out of the DTB-Pokal set for March 27 due to injury.
If you are wondering who we talking about, then it is Emma Malewski. She represented Germany at the inaugural Junior World Championships in 2019. But while fans and the gymnastics community were wondering about why she had to pull, she shared a raw black-and-white photo on Instagram that spoke louder than words. Sitting with her head down, arms wrapped tightly around her knees, and her hair pulled back into a high, tight bun, she looked every bit the picture of disappointment.
Dressed in her leotard, she seemed lost in thought, but her caption revealed the true heartbreak behind the image. “Bad news again… I will not be competing this weekend at the DTB-Pokal,” she wrote. Emma explained that during her first gymnastics training session in Stuttgart, she took a blow to her calf during her beam dismount. Even though she pushed through and managed two solid routines, the pain was too much to ignore.
“We suspect I have a muscle fiber tear,” she shared. She also added that the decision was made to sit this one out to prevent further damage. After battling her way back from shoulder surgery for the last eight months, Emma was finally “prepared, fit, and ready,” which made this setback even harder to swallow. But she’s not giving up.
While she won’t be competing, she’s staying by her team’s side and looking ahead, saying, “Now it’s about waiting and then coming back stronger than always!” Even in disappointment, her resilience shines through. And with that kind of determination, how can gymnastics fans not shower her with praise?
Gymnastics fans send a surge of love to Emma
Gymnastics fans flooded Emma’s Instagram with love after her heartbreaking announcement. One fan wrote, “Get well soon and keep your head up ,” while another added, “Oh no… not again you… Soo schade, @emma_malewski. A bit more luck next time – es wäre dir sowas von gegönnt .” And another chimed in with unwavering confidence, saying, “ Even if it hurts, you’ll punch your way through it, Emma .” Honestly, they’re spot on! Emma’s been through this rodeo before, she knows how to fight her way back. Injuries? Nothing new for her.
Just look back at June 2024. A week before the second German Olympic qualifier in Russelsheim, Emma, the former European beam champion from Munich, had to make a gut-wrenching decision. A nagging shoulder injury that had sidelined her training for over a month forced her to pull out. She broke the news on social media through an American gymnastics magazine, pouring her heart out.
“I will not be competing at the second Olympic Qualifier, nor will I be there. I’m going to step back from the gym for a month to give my body a break and for my mental health. TBH, I feel so bad inside. No one is more disappointed by my situation than I am. I’m in tears when I talk about this. I’ve been training for this very moment for over seven years, and now it’s over.” You could feel her pain through every word.
But Emma, being Emma, didn’t let that moment define her. Even in her lowest moments, she was already mapping out her comeback in gymnastics. She talked about working closely with a psychologist and giving herself space to heal, physically and mentally.
One heartfelt message read, “Ohhh dear Emma, I’m soooo sorry. Man, you fought so much and now this. I wish you from the bottom of my heart that despite this setback, you will be fit and very healthy soon. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. But I strongly believe in you that you can do it. You, you, you, and chin up. ”
Another gymnastics fan added, “This hurts so much to read… Come back stronger and don’t let your head hang!” It’s no surprise that fans are rallying behind her like this. We’re all rooting for a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see her back where she belongs—shining on the mat!
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