Vega's Vendetta - The Fight for Rio

Vega's Vendetta - The Fight for Rio

The final U.S. Women's National Team camp for 2014 concluded a week ago in Huntsville, Texas, wrapping up just in time for Thanksgiving. But, there was one

Dec 3, 2014 by Dani from Gymnastike
Vega's Vendetta - The Fight for Rio
The final U.S. Women's National Team camp for 2014 concluded a week ago in Huntsville, Texas, wrapping up just in time for Thanksgiving. But, there was one gymnast who had an extra reason to be thankful.

As expected, a majority of the members of the 2014 World Championships gold medal winning team were present. Along with Kyla Ross, 2012 Olympic gold medalists Gabrielle Douglas and Aly Raisman also returned to "The Ranch." Nonetheless, gymnastics fans worldwide were mystified to see a single name on the camp's roster. A name that a mere two years ago incited feelings of admiration and wonder that dissolved into perplexity and shock by the end of 2012 -- Sabrina Vega.


The Come Up

If you're an avid USA Gymnastics fan, the name should definitely ring a bell. Bursting onto the junior international elite scene in 2009, Sabrina Vega became a major asset to Team USA helping them win gold across the globe including the Pan American Championships in Aracaju, Brazil. In 2010, Vega finished out her junior elite career with a series of successes including a silver medal on uneven bars at both the Pacific Rim Championships in Melbourne, Australia and the Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico (1st-Team). Vega then went on to prove herself worthy at the 2010 US Classic in and US National Championships where she finished on the podium at both competitions.
Vega began her senior elite campaign in 2011. At the City of Jesolo Trophy in Jesolo, Italy, Vega tied with US teammate Aly Raisman for first on floor and aided Team USA to a gold medal. Her second-place finish on floor and third-place finish in the all-around at the CoverGirl Classic secured her spot on the 2011 World team that eventually captured the World Championship title.


Video by USAG

As the 2012 season began, Sabrina Vega could taste the London Olympics on the tip of her tongue. Sadly, a downgraded vault and a few errors on bars at the Olympic Trials not only forced Vega's Olympic dream to slip away, but Sabrina Vega, herself, seemingly faded into non-existence.



The Comeback
With success as the only option, Vega decided it was time for a change; a change that  involved finding an environment that would facilitate her life-long goal. She chose to move to Blue Springs, Missouri to train at GAGE with Al Fong and Armine Barutyan, leaving behind not only her home, but also the coaches who no longer believed in her dreams of competing in the Olympic Games.

It is completely understandable to take time off to compose yourself after a heart-shattering blow, but a two-and-a-half-year absence definitely deserves an explanation. Given that gymnastics is a sport where the human body is a ticking time bomb, only able to withstand but so much of the countless hours of devastation from the constant pounding, taking any amount of leave from the sport just speeds up the deterioration process. However, Vega has taken to social media to clarify her situation to fan's that "she's glad to be back after battling multiple injuries while simultaneously getting used to her new gym." Although the most recent camp is by no means a predictor of Team USA 2016, it is certainly a step in the right direction for a superb comeback.
Sabrina Vega's tenacity, perserverance, and passionate pursuit of her dreams are more than commendable; it's downright inspirational.  



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