High jumper Sakari Famous suffered a serious ankle injury that will keep her out of action for the rest of the school year.

Famous, the island’s top women’s high jumper, was competing for the University of Georgia at a meet at Clemson University on January 11 when she damaged her left ankle in the take-off during her second attempt at 1.75 metres.

“Even during the warm-up I felt pretty good,” said the sophomore who turns 20 on Monday.

“It felt like it was going to be a great competition because I was attempting 1.80 in the warm-ups and in the competition I probably could have cleared 1.80 because of the atmosphere and the way I was feeling.

“It occurred during the second attempt and I just burst out crying, not because of the ankle pain, but because that meet felt like it was going to be one of the best meets of the whole [school] year.

“I felt stronger and powerful and it is disappointing that it happened at this time. My approach was fine; it happened during take-off. It is crazy, this is my first injury ever, but I’ll be back.”

Famous was attended to by medical staff. “I was upset, I wanted to jump because I knew I was going to do well,” she added. “The head coach came over and said I would be OK.

“Since we were away, they took me to the trainer’s tent and immediately the trainers knew that by the way it was moving that it was pretty serious. I damaged ligaments on both sides of my ankle.”

Famous went to the hospital back in Athens and had MRI and X-rays taken.

“They definitely knew I wouldn’t be able to compete indoors and said that it is better to “red shirt” this season,” she explained.

“I won’t be competing indoors or outdoors this semester, and it probably won’t be until the end of the year. I’m still in rehab, still in the boot and on the scooter, and see the doctor every two weeks.

“To just walk with the boot is the next step, then walking with a shoe and then doing small exercises. It will definitely be a long process,”

Famous, who is on a scholarship, will now concentrate on her academics along with the rehab.

“The scooter is the best way to get around; I had crutches at first.” she said.

“I’ve taken the mindset of being positive, knowing that I’ll be in competition again and will need that strong mindset.”