Paisley Kehler is a local up-and-coming gymnast who has had to overcome some major injuries to return to competing in her sport.
Kehler, a Grade 7 student at Elm Creek School, first started gymnastics at three and has been training at Springers Gymnastics in Winnipeg for the past five years.
Unfortunately, Kehler tore two ligaments and had an avulsion fracture in her ankle in late January of 2023 during a fellow gymnast’s birthday party while doing parkour.
“It was a fluke accident that happened during a jump down from the climbing wall,” said Paisley’s mom, Laura Kehler. “Her foot got trapped between two landing mats. She took one week off from gymnastics training and then returned to the gym on crutches and in a boot. Unfortunately, due to the timing of her injury, she missed the entire competition season last year.”
Gradually, over six months, Kehler returned to full training. Conditioning and physiotherapy were her focus during these months. Rehabbing her ankle was vital, but maintaining strength, flexibility, and a positive mentality was just as important.
Being in the gym with her peers and coaches was also essential to her recovery. During summer, gymnasts get a few weeks off before returning for fall training. When September rolled in, Kehler was back in the gym and ready to go.
“Things were looking good, and her ankle was feeling okay but not like before her injury. In late October of 2023, she was running through the parking lot after school to be picked up to go home and rolled her ankle. It was a doozie. After a few days with no relief, we headed back to see the orthopedic doctor at Legacy Sports Medicine, and he gave us bad news.”
Due to the incomplete healing of the ligaments on the outside of her ankle, Kehler’s ankle was now broken on the inside, and the ligaments were reinjured.
“Jokingly, he recommended she take up a more sedentary sport such as chess. At this time, I suggested maybe it was time to give up gymnastics. She, without hesitation, said, ‘No, I’m not quitting.’”
Back on crutches and in a boot, Kehler trudged into gymnastics practice and has been back ever since training at her sport. Kehler’s coaches at Springers Gymnastics have allowed her to be her best self, dedicated and passionate about gymnastics like them.
“They have been unwaveringly supportive and allowed and assisted with endless training modifications,” said Kehler. “They continue to be a positive influence for Paisley both physically and mentally.”
As for recovery, Kehler’s ankle is about 85 per cent, which is good enough to compete. The competition season for 2024 starts in January and goes through May.
At her first event, the Panthers Snowflake Classic Gymnastics meet, Kehler was first overall in her division, first on uneven bars, first on floor, third on beam and sixth on vault.
This past weekend, Kehler had another meet at the Springers Classic. It was another great event as she placed 1st overall in her division, with first on floor, uneven bars and beam, and fourth on vault.
“Paisley has learned a lot about what her body and her mind are capable of. She learned to accept heartbreaking news, how to ask for help, work hard, be patient, be positive, stay the course and have faith. Her love for gymnastics has never wavered, and it is wonderful to see her confidence and smile return. She plans to continue training and competing and hopes to begin as a junior coach when she turns 13.”
