by Ryan Rogers
LSUsports.net
It was a year ago, and instead of competing with one of the nation’s premier gymnastics teams, Sharene Mamby was forced to watch her teammates compete from the stands. Mamby was nursing a ruptured Achilles’ tendon which she suffered in the preseason that caused her to miss the entire 2000 season.
Last Friday night, Mamby stood impatiently awaiting her score in the uneven bars. Much to her astonishment, Mamby was awarded a perfect 10. It was the first perfect score by a Tiger since 1997. The score culminated her tough journey back to gymnastics.
“I was just thinking about everything when the score was announced. I wanted to scream, cry and laugh all at the same time. I was really surprised, but so happy that I gave such a good performance,” said Mamby.
An Achilles’ tendon injury is a very serious injury in gymnastics or any sport for that matter. Many gymnasts never return from such a devastating injury. However, Mamby hasn’t just returned, she has performed at the highest level of her career.
“When I got hurt, I always knew I was going to come back,” said Mamby. “I knew how serious my injury was and I’m just so happy to be able to compete again. Lot’s of people who suffer that type of injury never make it back. I’m so glad this all happened for me.”
Mamby attributes her successful return to head coach D-D Breaux.
“She never gave up on me. She motivated me to come back and she was there for me during my worst times.”
The long road back has been both painful and gratifying for Mamby.
“I wanted to come back last year. But I just couldn’t get healthy in time. It was frustrating. However, I’m so happy to be back and competing well I wouldn’t give this up for the world. I hope that I can return to the beam and floor eventually also.”
Mamby isn’t just scoring perfect 10’s for her team. She was voted Co-Captain by her teammates and fills a very important leadership role on the squad.
“It’s hard. We have a lot of new freshmen that need leadership,” said Mamby. “The upper classmen all contribute. The leadership has come from everyone this year. We just try to set a good example both in and outside of gymnastics.”
Mamby is a native of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and Baton Rouge is a long way from home for the talented gymnast.
“I knew Larissa Lowing (Libby), an assistant at LSU at the time. I also knew a couple of gymnast on the team at the time. I took my recruiting trip to LSU and fell in love right away. I liked the beautiful campus, the coaches and the gymnasts. It made my decision to come to LSU easy.”
Mamby hopes to add many more great memories in the remaining days of her senior year. She has a strong heart and desire to excel and is determined to help her team soar in 2001.
But whether she wins another title this season or not, she has already defied the odds. For Mamby, just being there is enough. A perfect 10, however, is the perfect icing on the cake.